Monroe County Master Gardener Association

By Gail K:
Highlights from my exploration of the Dow Gardens:

Est. in 1899 as the home of Herbert & Grace Dow–the 110 acre garden now sees 200,000 guests a year. The map shows the many paths & named garden areas on the estate. My opinion; the gardens are an experience with nature; allowing each person to enjoy & reflect in a unique personal way. Flowers not so much the focus, but add color & texture to the design and shape of the many pathways.

Follow me as I make my way thru the garden areas-so very much to see but I must limit for the sake of the blog. In the photo above you see how the plantings enhance the curve- leading the eye and your feet to continue on;anticipating what may be around the bend.

The Rose garden-here are a couple of roses which caught my eye.

Adjacent to the Rose Garden was a very large Children’s Garden:

A notable planting in the children’s garden was this combo of
petunias and coleus.

rior to reaching the children’s garden, my eyes were drawn to a grove of white birch trees.
Not sure of the intent, but it gave me a sense of peacefulness.

You had to be on the alert for hidden gems-below is the studio:the building had a distinct Japanese flair, which was reflective in other aspects of the garden

Another interesting aspect of the gardens was the use of various materials & shapes- this bridge & the round stone walk were mesmerizing- echoing a time long gone —

Another aspect of “personal choice” and mixed media of the
pathways
A hidden gem in the Pineside garden
The Pineside Garden provided the backdrop for their home, “THE PINES.” The large & inviting veranda style front porch, provided a shaded respite for weary guests to sit in rocking chairs & take in the vast expanse of the yard as they paused from the extensive walking required to see the gardens.

A faint breeze carried a sweet aroma, thanks to a nearby Beauty Bush
The “stream walk” area provided the most contrast–water, rock and plantings.

This photo encompasses the many aspects used in the garden
and should you need to take a break-there were hidden alcoves that provided
just the right spot-to sit and contemplate
Below–A prominent clue to the Japanese influence in the gardens- this is located in the Stream Walk portion

This large, mixed planting on a hillside was in the early portion of my exploration–it speaks to the gardener in all of us.

Among the flowers I discovered another fave of mine
In closing, I hope you sensed a personal encounter with the gardens. I enjoyed my time & found a certain peace. In closing, to quote Mr. Dow: “NEVER REVEAL THE GARDEN’S WHOLE BEAUTY AT FIRST GLANCE”