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If youve ever driven along Belden Hill Road in Wilton in June youll know exactly which tree Im talking about. Its a landmark! Not only is the dogwood as tall and wide as a good sized maple, but its covered in the most brilliantly white blossoms, which seem to last far longer than any of the other dogwoods in the vicinity.
Peggy Garbus, a busy mom, avid gardener and professional portrait photographer, is the lucky custodian of this gorgeous tree, located at the front of her property. I stopped off to admire the tree and to catch up with Peggy, who I first met when my son, Sebastian, was a big 'brother' to her son, Will, through Family & Childrens Agencys Junior Project Friendship. www.familyandchildrensagency.org
Peggy showed me around her garden, which she designed herself, creating eye-catching vistas through the skillful use of native plants, fencing and garden furniture. I was a very active member of the Wilton Garden Club for 10 years and used to organize the digs, when we would go to members gardens and split perennials for our annual plant sale, Peggy told me. I realized that plants grown locally would grow better in my garden than plants from a nursery, grown who knows where. All the plants in Peggys beds are locally grown right here in Connecticut, many from friends gardens, many simply divided and moved around within her own garden.
There are a large number of tall trees on the property, so many of Peggys plants are shade-lovers. The serpentine fern garden is planted with a veritable catalog of different varieties. The woodland beds are a study in green, and show how different shapes, heights and colors of plants can create an attractive and harmonious display. There is also a sun garden, currently a work in progress, but already showing the hand of a master gardener, with roses and perennial flowers blooming.
When shes not gardening, Peggy is off on location, photographing events, families and children, and contributing photographs to local magazines you can see samples of her work at www. peggygarbus.com.
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