Elizabeth Lawrence's Study View

I thought a quick picture of the garden through Miss Lawrence's study today would be of interest. I often wonder how many hours Elizabeth spent sitting in front of this window watching and writing. The garden view has changed since I started the fellowship, mainly that the Cherry Laurel Allee has been removed and started over, and the stone walls refurbished. I hope you have windows to your garden that offer inspiration, wonder, and adventure just as Elizabeth's did for her!

Cydonia oblonga

While carrying branches from Lawrence's Chaenomeles 'Apple Blossom' that I've been pruning this week since it's finished flowering, I noticed another Quince at the curb shedding it's bark. This tree form is actually Cydonia oblonga that Elizabeth Lawrence planted while living here. It has also finished flowering, which is often missed since they are tiny, and above eye level. The bark is hard to miss and I thought I would share this interesting picture. I briefly researched my collection of Elizabeth Lawrence books for a Cydonia comment, but could not find one. For now, we'll just have to thank Miss Lawrence for leaving us with this spectacular tree.

Thanks for visiting,

Katie

Creatures Add to a Garden

"Last summer I never saw my toad - or toads. I have never been sure whether it is the same or several. He usually startles me hopping out from under a plant when I am weeding the border, and I think he lives in the rock wall. If toads are really so valuable I think something should be done to attract them, but I have never known what they like."
Elizabeth Lawrence
Beautiful at All Seasons

I have had the opportunity to see some toads sitting on the edge of the pond this past week and can't seem to get close enough for a picture without scaring them. All I have for evidence is a body print! I had a hunch Miss Lawrence has had experience with all forms of creatures in her garden. The excerpt above is from a Charlotte Observer article dated February 5, 1961. Forty-nine years later, the toads are still busy. Just in the past week, I've seen a long black snake, the toads, and a few chipmunks drinking from the pool while perching on Miss Lawrence's frog fountain. There are always creatures in the garden!

Thanks for visiting,
Katie Mullen
2009 Marco Polo Stufano Fellow

Elizabeth Lawrence's Gate

"This is the gate to my garden. I invite you to enter in; not only into my garden, but into the world of gardens - a world as old as the history of man, and as new as the latest contribution of science; a world of mystery, adventure and romance; a world of poetry and philosophy; a world of beauty; and a world of work."
Elizabeth Lawrence
The Charlotte Observer, August 11, 1957

Being a focal point to the garden, we recently had the gate refurbished and today it was returned to the garden. Over the years, the top scroll had disappeared and we thought it was important to bring it back. One of Lawrence's iconic picture is of her inviting people through the gate. I'm excited to have it back and hope you'll come see it too.

Enjoy the weather!

Katie Mullen
2009 Marco Polo Stufano Fellow