Squirrel Hall

Squirrel Hall is a surprisingly amusing garden formally designed on a tiny village lot of less than one acre. The rectilinear layout emanates from a central axis defined by an allée of sixteen hornbeams with two niches. The garden is organized into a series of rooms with features usually reserved for larger properties. The front lawn is small and enclosed by shrubs, low stone walls and driveway steel. Bordering the lawn is a newly created glade. This garden room features trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, ferns, and bulbs all selected for their interest and suitability for a "wild garden." A brick walkway through boxwood hedges leads you past the front door to an antique wrought iron gate. Through the gate and down the steps one enters the sunken garden. Here, mammoth hostas, statuary, shrubs, and antique iron seating surround a fountain. Walking north across the gravel and up the steps leads to a pavilion terrace and dining courtyard. There one finds more stonework and a massive fireplace. Walk a few more paces east, up three stairs to view and stroll the allée. Two parterres are east of the allée; an 80-foot long x 16-inch wide yellow-leaf-plant border sits beyond. The apiary on the eastern border is guarded by "Fred," a grand archer. The petite orchard is to the west, and "le shed," a neoclassic folly, resides to the north. Two entrances, one to the west and one to the east, lead to a woodland stroll featuring hemlocks, shade-loving perennials and shrubs, and "the bungalow." Garden is partially accessible.