We chatted with one of our favorite garden writers, Tovah Martin, and asked her to tell us about her experience writing about fellow gardener Emily Rose in “Gardening with a View” (May 2007, page 104). To learn more about Tovah, go to www.tovahmartin.com.
Q. When did you photograph Emily Roses’ Little Sutton garden in the Berkshires?
A. We photographed it last summer (in 2006). The week before and during our shoot, it rained and rained. We spent three or four days waiting on the weather. On the bright side, I got to spend a lot of time indoors talking with Emily. She’s a phenomenal human being. Gardening truly does keep you young.
Q. Was it the first time you met Emily Rose?
A. Actually, no. We’re both members of the Herb Society of America. We met a couple of years ago at a lavender seminar. She was researching varieties of lavender to plant in her orchard.
Q. How did everyone get along on the photo shoot?
A. It was a great time. Photographer Matthew Benson’s assistant, Jeff Stults, is also a yoga instructor, so he would lead us in yoga exercises while we were waiting for the clouds to clear. Emily said that one day she looked out her window and saw what looked like a group of garden gnomes each standing on one leg.
Q. Out of all the fabulous plants throughout Little Sutton, can you share your six favorite ones?
A. Only six?! I guess I’d have to say
- Heuchera. Emily uses it to emphasize walls in the garden. It adds great texture.
- Vibernum carlesii. There’s a small grove by a little pond that was planted by birds.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy.’ It’s a wonderful succulent.
- Liberty Apple trees. Emily chose these for their hardiness.
- Climbing Hydrangea. This plant forms the walls in one of Emily’s outdoor seating areas. It’s a beautiful way to add protection.
- My all-time favorite: Arctostaphylos. It’s a small, Mediterranean shrub with gorgeous blue/green leaves and very hardy.
Looking for plants perfect for containers? Click here for our Top 10 Container Plants.
