The estate in Greenwich where my grandfather Eddie worked for more than forty years, tending to every tree, shrub and flower as though his own, remains one of the best kept secrets in all of Connecticut. Every summer growing up, my brother Justin and I would accompany Pop-pop to work, where we'd help him make cuttings from coleuses and geraniums in the greenhouse or de-weed the gardens around the property. Mondays were my favorite, when Pop-pop would put me in charge of picking vessels for the arrangements we'd make for the house—nearly twenty in all. But over time, the surrounding properties were divided and sold, altering the very soul of the earth I loved. Returning now to these grounds, where verdant, rolling lawns descend to a beach still untouched by time is like traveling through history. Join me, won't you?
From the main house, we'll take the path flanked by hosta, pachysandra and boxwood, growing lush in the shade of hundred-year-old trees.
As we near the rose garden, pebbles turn to stone with a glimpse of the wisteria pergola beyond.
In the European tradition, garden roses, planted formally, surround a marble fountain. Many of them my grandfather grafted himself to produce specimens of unparalleled color and fragrance.
The yellow climbing roses always made the most stunning arrangements. "Make sure you get the top ones," he'd say, holding me up with the clippers.
To this day, the garden roses he planted are some of the beautiful I've ever seen.
Their colors could inspire
cakes,
table settings,
even entire rooms.
Now back to the path leading to the pergola with the sweet smell of spray roses everywhere around.
In the spring, a lush canopy of lavender wisteria shades the interior.
From within the pergola looking out, framed views of the garden shift like the seasons.
And at the end, a moment of quiet by the reflecting pool filled with koi. I was in charge of the feeding, a job requiring the utmost care. "Knock three times," Pop-pop would say, pointing to the pool's edge. "Then six shakes and that's all."
Now up the stairs from the rose garden...
...and a look back at a pair of Egyptian rams keeping guard.
A hundred oaks await, where Justin and I would race each other to the shore.
Everywhere around, in the vast expanse of land, sculptures from far and distant places nestle in the landscape.
Most of these works were created by noted artists well before they were noteworthy.
My favorite sits on the horizon, overlooking Long Island Sound, a modern masterpiece in red-orange steel.
From the gazebo, we'd watch boat races and fireworks on the water.
And on days my mother took us to Island Beach on the ferry, Pop-pop would stand, smile proudly and wave.
The shoreline below the gazebo is rocky and untouched with the kind of natural beauty rarely seen in Greenwich today.
As dusk settles around us, I return once again to familiar shores full of shells and sea glass and the memories of making things for my mother, my grandmother—and just about anyone else who'd take them.
Sometimes, even the things we're quick to forget grow better and more beautiful with time.
Love this post. So dear, meaningful and beautiful. How amazing to have a living portfolio of work to remember him by. xoxo
Posted by: austingray@gmail.com | September 22, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Amazing. We are all lucky indeed. ~best
Posted by: Carl | September 21, 2011 at 09:37 PM
What a beautiful tribute to the life and memories of your grandfather. Very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Tardevil | September 21, 2011 at 09:19 PM
Beautiful memories
Posted by: Frances Janisch | September 21, 2011 at 08:22 PM
I'm originally from CT - what a lovely walk down memory lane. I can just see you as a young child - what a fabulous playground surrounded by beautiful gardens. That picture of wash glass made me smile. One of my favorite things to do as a kid - collecting it and putting them in mason jars.
Posted by: Ann | August 30, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Oh Eddie! What a great post! I'll never forget our fun times at that magical wonderland your grandfather lovingly created. Makes me smile with misty eyes. XOOXOX Plus that allee! That is on my dream house wish list for sure.
Posted by: abby jenkins | August 20, 2010 at 02:02 PM
What a treasure indeed! How luscious these gardens are and how amazing you have memories and history here with your grandfather. Now I know where that beautiful sea glass you shared comes from!
Posted by: seleta | August 01, 2010 at 10:13 PM
These gardens are just amazing. I once had a private tour of these gardens and I too fond some beautiful sea glass. Fond memories of the past.
S Colby
Posted by: colby & Lady | July 28, 2010 at 04:23 AM
Absolutely beautiful~Thank You for sharing!
Kelli
Posted by: Kelli | July 27, 2010 at 05:30 PM
The rows of trees are just too magical. I need to go take a nap there STAT
Posted by: Bailey@peppermintbliss | July 27, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Love you more than ever.
I feel refreshed and renewed after reading this.
Thank you.
xo xo
Posted by: Visual Vamp | July 27, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I, too, learned gardening from a young age, at the knees of my Dad, always weeding. Every summer day he'd come home and his first words would be "did you water the tomato plants?". Thanks Eddie for this beautiful soothing tour. I love sea glass. We'd collect it in Massachusetts when we went to visit my Dad's family every summer.
Posted by: Shawn Herbert | July 26, 2010 at 03:15 PM
A beautiful post, thank you for sharing, the garden photos made me feel as I was walking through them as well and helping with the hard work. We too collect sea glass and have lots of great beach memories. (Thanks for your post what a nice treat!) *Amy
Posted by: Amy | July 26, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...What a magical place filled with such tender memories. Your post was like a poem. A poem that I loved walking through.
xoxoTrina
Posted by: Trina | July 26, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Charming! Enchanting! I am jealous. I had a fenced in back yard to play in. There were beautiful majestics trees and I thought they were magical. I did not know a place like this really existed.
Posted by: Pam | July 26, 2010 at 10:59 AM
A landscape...
OF THE AGES.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Posted by: Tara Dillard | July 26, 2010 at 10:14 AM
While looking at these pictures for the umpteenth time, I thought of Jaithan. Did you take them Jaithan? They are truly art, and you should be getting your share of the credit. The two of you guys produce something magically wonderful together. I believe that it shows the love that you have for each other and the earth. Thank you for sharing. Barb
Posted by: Barbara Nieder | July 25, 2010 at 09:51 PM
Just beautiful Eddie! Healthy heartwarming memories for you!
Cindy
Posted by: Design Love | July 25, 2010 at 08:27 PM
Oh Eddie, how spectacular! The gardens, flowers + memories. Whew.. you are just pulling on my heartstrings :) xx
Posted by: Sarah, flourish design + style | July 25, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Glorious, Eddie!
I have a dad who
is "Pa" to my kids
and who gardens on
five acres. What
a joy it has been
to see them out in
the gardens with
him when we visit,
learning all of the
things he taught me
and my brother when
we were little. It's
truly magic. Thank
you for sharing your
own, here!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | July 24, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Just lovely...I also have wonderful memories of my grandfather and the New England coast...thanks for a few minutes of relaxation while I toured the property with you!!
Posted by: patti | July 24, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Hi E:
I have been to Greenwich to visit relatives and been to island Beach many times. The wonderful thing about Greenwich is that, even with its prime location to NYC and (let's face it) opulence, it really feels like a small town. Everything is so low key with natural beauty being a a key priority...and enhacing that small town appeal!
Posted by: Tara | July 24, 2010 at 06:07 PM
There's nothing like being on the water. Absolutely beautiful. Your memories are very touching and sweet, and the roses your father grew are exquisite! Roses can be so finicky and prone to disease.....I'm quite envious!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | July 24, 2010 at 01:18 PM
What a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!
-Annie
Posted by: Ann McKittrick | July 24, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Eddie,
That was just beautiful! I was right there with you. Thanks for the inspiration this beautiful Saturday morning.
Big Hug,
Kerry
Posted by: kerry howard | July 24, 2010 at 10:56 AM
You have a way....You are his grandson.
A verdant walk along a special path for sure.
Enjoyed having you stop by, have a beautiful weekend.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Porter | July 24, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Eddie this was truly a wonderful article and the pictures were simply amazing! This is by far my favorite post yet.
Posted by: candycentral.com | July 24, 2010 at 09:34 AM
You need to write a children's book! You have a wonderful story and it needs to be shared!!!!
Posted by: Lauri Stocker | July 24, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Eddie,
Your pictures are beautiful! I enjoyed your walk through the garden and felt I could smell the roses in bloom! I closed my eyes and was a child again in my mother's rose garden . You certainly have a gift for writing. I love your stories about your Grandparents!
Nancy Bohan
Posted by: nancy Bohan | July 24, 2010 at 07:50 AM
How very beautiful Eddie. It sounds like you had a magical childhood....
Posted by: Jeanne | July 23, 2010 at 11:54 PM
Gorgeous and how special! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | July 23, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Have you ever been to the grounds for sculpture in Hamilton NJ? THis post reminded me of it. It is truly a unique place! Ive only been there once, but LOVED it. The restaraunt was amazing too!
http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/
Posted by: Carly | July 23, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Eddie what a beautiful and precious post. I love that you shared these very intimate memories with us and I hope you have read this post to your pop-pop! x
It is clear how much you love him and how big an influence he has had on your life. I can see how important it is that children share moments and rituals like these with the older generation, and it makes me miss my family in Sweden even more. Thankfully we are less than a year away from moving there (from Sydney) and I can't wait for Isabella & Oscar to be able to spend time with my mum & dad.
The gardens and grounds are beyond beautiful Eddie and it is evident the creative vein stems from your pop-pop. What an amazing eye he had for creating garden scapes, and to hand pick such fantastic art pieces.
Biggest compliments to pop-pop and thank you to you for sharing.
Have a lovely weekend.
x Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | July 23, 2010 at 09:39 PM
These photos with the lights so beautiful. And I love that you too called your grandfather PopPop don't hear it often and it always reminds me of mine and brings a smile to my face. I too posted many trees and green today
Posted by: Dorothy Pfeiffer | July 23, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Oh my, how beautiful!
Posted by: Evelyn | July 23, 2010 at 09:20 PM
How lucky you were to be at your grandfather's knee! He was very talented and I see you inheritd some of that! Thanks so much for this beautiful tour.
Posted by: Dianne | July 23, 2010 at 09:14 PM
You did such a great job with that. I just loved reading about your memories. I think I will reread it because it makes me feel good inside.
Posted by: lisette | July 23, 2010 at 09:12 PM
This post is without a doubt my favorite you have written so far. It is heartfelt and sincere and that comes flying out at each caption and each photo you took. Just amazing to see and thank you. More please! xo
Posted by: suzanne@cestsuzanne | July 23, 2010 at 08:43 PM
What an amazing, enchanted place to spend summers as a little boy. I've never seen sea glass, but it's beautiful! Thanks for taking us along on this beautiful tour.
Posted by: Susan | July 23, 2010 at 08:03 PM
I SECOND ALL THE ABOVE AND SAY THAT I HAD A WONDERFUL 30 ACRE GARDEN IN CONNECTICUT THAT I TENDED ALONG WITH DIFFERENT GARDENERS THRU OUT THE SIXTEEN YEARS I LIVED THERE. I MOVED INTO SUCH A MAGICAL ESTATE WHEN I WAS ONLY 24 YEARS OLD, AND RAISED MY CHILDREN IN THEIR EARLY YEARS THERE ALONG WITH 73 ANIMALS!!!!! IT TRULY WAS LIKE THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS IN MANY WAS.. AND YOUR PHOTO'S REMINDED ME OF THOSE 17 YEARS IN CONNECTICUT....
XXOO
MELISSA
Posted by: melissa lee | July 23, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Amazing! What a legacy Pop-pop has left behind.
Posted by: billbarr@comcast.net | July 23, 2010 at 07:47 PM
so beautiful, eddie, thank you for sharing these! i remember getting to go to the island beach as a little girl, too...gosh this post has made me so nostalgic! thank you! xox
Posted by: mrs. jones | July 23, 2010 at 07:41 PM
Thank you Eddie -- for a lovely walk through your past. How beautiful!
Posted by: Martha | July 23, 2010 at 07:38 PM
Oh Eddie this place is amazing and Pop pops roses are gorgeous, I can only imagine the beautiful fragrance. Thank you so much for showing us this beautiful secret place and even more thank you for showing us your heart!! You are an amazing man, xoxo Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | July 23, 2010 at 07:32 PM
I would love to go and see it with you sometime. What a beautiful garden and memories. How fun to see it through your lens and perspective. xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | July 23, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Your pictures are lovely. I am especially appreciative because I live in the hottest desert city. It has been 122 degrees, but today is a cool 110. My desert is beautiful, but nothing like the glory of the pictures you shared today. I think that above all else, I miss the fragrance of a garden in summer bloom. Thank you so much for bringing me images that deliver the scent of old-time yellow roses.
Posted by: Barbara Nieder | July 23, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Eddie, my heart soars as I read your beautiful description of your Grandfather's work and your relationship with him and his gardens. A marvelous tribute!
Posted by: Vickie H. | July 23, 2010 at 07:27 PM
I too take care of a historic garden at work and at home, mine at work has heriloom roses and flowers of old, mine at home has native and perennial species with statues and kio.. love yours what a wonderest place and mysterious to explore, what fun for you as a child. love it all
mrs. Terry Stidham in florida
Posted by: Terry Stidham | July 23, 2010 at 06:59 PM
What a lovely secret to have. This garden is absolutely gorgeous and definitely the kind of place anyone would love to escape to for a few quiet moments - thanks for sharing this one - it's like slipping into some dream land for a little while!
Posted by: beth | July 23, 2010 at 06:54 PM
The estate is beautiful. But what is more beautiful is the unseen. I joy of working the land and caring for plants that your Grandfather inspired in you. You have been blessed with wealth beyond compare!!
Posted by: Janet | July 23, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Beautiful! My husband did the same thing when his uncle worked on the Supper's estate in Greenwich. They took me on a tour of the estate when we were first dating and it looks so similar to the tour you just took us on -- Thank you for bringing back those memories. Donna
Posted by: Donna Washburn | July 23, 2010 at 04:27 PM
I want to add my appreciation all with all the other comments. It is a beautiful garden!
Posted by: Kathy Hughes | July 23, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Wonderful memories, a landscape legacy and a cherished family - priceless!
Posted by: Cathy S. | July 23, 2010 at 03:08 PM
This is just so pretty. As I type this I'm looking out onto my garden which desperately needs the talents of someone like Pop-pop (how cute is that name?!) to come to its rescue. Thanks for sharing this bit of inspiration. Happy weekend to you both!
Posted by: FROM THE RIGHT BANK | July 23, 2010 at 02:52 PM
How lucky were you to be exposed to such beauty at an impressionable age. Sounds too like you were blessed with a wonderful grandfather.
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | July 23, 2010 at 02:35 PM
What a beautiful trip down memory lane...it is funny how these things stay with us, isn't it. To this day the smell of dogwoods instantly puts me back to the gardens in the western mountains of NC where I spent every summer growing up. This property is incredible....and your pop-pop sure did grow some amazing roses! Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Susie @ Maddie's Nest | July 23, 2010 at 01:43 PM
This was really nice Eddie: very very personal and so well written and very touching. No wonder you do what you do: or, how could you not do what you do?
Yellow roses are my very favorite, and yet they are hard to find and not many people grow them; they far out shine the reds, I think.
Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us.
Posted by: aneyefordetail | July 23, 2010 at 01:26 PM
wow, thanks for sharing. sounds like you had a pretty great and interesting childhood. this estate is amazing. i especially loved the oaks lined up and the pergola. i can't believe how gorgeous this is and that you grew up tending to it. have a fun weekend!
Posted by: alison@semi-fab lane | July 23, 2010 at 11:02 AM
This is so gorgeous! It's like something out of a fairy tale! Wouldn't a wedding be unbelievable there?
Posted by: Sara Jane | July 23, 2010 at 10:46 AM
What a nice trip down your memory lane...I am sure it was like a wonderland for you as a child...feeding the koi, reminds me of when my children feed the fish at their grandparent's house...thanks again for sharing.
Posted by: Gretchen | July 23, 2010 at 10:38 AM
What beautiful images and such sweet memories. It doesn't get any better than that. Your family heritage has molded you into the kind and talented man you are today. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Mona Thompson | July 23, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us. The wisteria must be amazing.
Posted by: Chris | July 23, 2010 at 10:37 AM
What a beautiful stroll. I love secret gardens. That's for sharing your sweet memory with us. That makes me want to get out in my landscape and at least try. I have been practicing lately with some container plantings. It isn't as difficult as I once thought.
Posted by: Amanda | July 23, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Eddie thanks for the memories. I remember as a little girl Uncle Eddie taking me there it was such a beautiful place. Only Uncle Eddie could make grass look like a beautiful green plush carpet. No one can hold a candle to him with his flowers.
Posted by: Mary Searles | July 23, 2010 at 10:20 AM
Hi Eddie,
the red-orange sculpture looks like a Mark di Suvero, whose work is in many museums around the country. How lucky to have one to enjoy privately!
Jill
Posted by: jill | July 23, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Wonderfully personal snapshot of your life with your grandfather. Thanks Eddie.
Posted by: dialog | July 23, 2010 at 10:01 AM
What an exquisite post Eddie. Beautifully written. What an amazing landscape your Pop pop created. The owners are lucky to have found such a man to take such care in the property. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | July 23, 2010 at 09:53 AM
That last photo with the sea glass is amazing. I love all the textures. I'd love to have that shot matted and framed for my living room!
Posted by: Davesanngel | July 23, 2010 at 09:33 AM
That place is magical! And how wonderful that you have such special memories with your family there. I now know why you do what you do and have the eye for beauty that you do. You grew up around it. Your family must be so proud of you. Thanks for sharing this special place with us.
Posted by: Design Esquire | July 23, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Wow, what an breathtaking place! I can see why you loved going there with your brother and Pop-pop all the time. I think its so cute he let you pick out the vessels for all of the arrangements.
Posted by: LindsB | July 23, 2010 at 08:56 AM
Thanks for sharing. Beautiful memories and pictures.
Posted by: sheista | July 23, 2010 at 08:39 AM
What beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing that beautiful estate with us. It must have been very nostalgic returning there and remembering all the joy you shared with your pop-pop. The flowers are beautiful and the he sea glass is to die for!!!
Posted by: Sherry | July 23, 2010 at 08:21 AM
How beautiful. I was at the Biltmore in the spring and this is so much like it was there.
Posted by: Melanie | July 23, 2010 at 08:17 AM
unreal.
there is something about a garden like that that's almost magical.
i'm glad that space is still there for your to visit and enjoy.
thanks for taking us with you. can we go back please?
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | July 23, 2010 at 08:07 AM
beautiful! Those of us who grow up with gardeners and lovers of the earth are so lucky. Your pop-pop has surely had such an impact on your life and career. Lucky, lucky.
Posted by: Julie LoRusso | July 23, 2010 at 08:04 AM
Are you kidding me? No wonder you do what you do....this is the most beautiful and artistic garden I probably have ever seen! It has the formality, yet also the relaxed, cottage garden feel. I see these in your designs...a relaxed formality.
Keep 'em coming, Eddie. Your not too shabby at writing, either.
Posted by: Milk and Honey Home | July 23, 2010 at 07:23 AM
What a gorgeous property. Thanks for sharing your memories too...a story always makes it more special!
Posted by: Lori | July 23, 2010 at 07:17 AM
No wonder you love such beauty. This is a testament to your family and the love they have for sharing such memories of tending to life - like a garden. Such inspiration! Thanks for sharing with each of us.
pve
Posted by: pve | July 23, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Eddie, this is one of your best. Although we love seeing your varied talents, the personal touch here shines so brightly it touches us all.
Thank you, Donna
Posted by: a perfect gray | July 23, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Doubt you is a real horticulture specialist, I appreciate your technology, very beautiful.
Posted by: Caroline | July 23, 2010 at 02:43 AM
Those garden roses are beautiful - I can smell them by just looking at the vibrate colors! Made my night a little bit sweeter ;)
Posted by: Caitlin @ Sacramento Street | July 23, 2010 at 02:36 AM
What an idyllic childhood you have to remember! It looks (and sounds) amazing. Your grandfather has left a splendid legacy for you, hasn't he? I remember picking tomatoes with my grandpa in his fields every summer...grandpas can be great.
Posted by: Camille | July 23, 2010 at 02:20 AM
I'm not proud of this, but I suffer from garden envy. Pop-pop had the best job ever!
Posted by: Quinn | July 23, 2010 at 12:31 AM
Absolutely beautiful and so well written! You certainly have many wonderful memories of such a lovely place. I hope that someone is caring for the property as well as your Pop-pop! Please tell him we throughly enjoyed seeing his work--and your playground!
Posted by: Granny Smith Green | July 23, 2010 at 12:09 AM
Eddie, this was absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful space and memories of your childhood. I love gardens, especially rose gardens, and these are just amazing! Growing up constantly surrounded by such beauty and special grandparents to share it with has certainly impacted who you are today.
Have a fabulous weekend!
xo, Jen
Posted by: Jennifer | July 22, 2010 at 11:36 PM
wow. a beautiful and touching post. lovely pictures. your pop pop is truly a talented man.
Posted by: nancy | July 22, 2010 at 11:32 PM
All I can say is WOW!!! Stunning!!! To have had the opportunity to hang out there in your youth with your Pop-pop must now seem like such a rare gift. Great Man to have shown you all of these things!!!
Posted by: Judy Beeksma | July 22, 2010 at 11:27 PM
What wonderful snapshots of the gardens as well as great memories of you and your family! How very nice.
Carol in GA
Posted by: Carol | July 22, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Such a wonderful testament to the love your Pop Pop lavished on this incredible space. It's just GORGEOUS! I adore the different roses,the rams, the shaded path and THAT SEA GLASS! OH MY!
Posted by: robyn | July 22, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Thank you for sharing those beautiful memories and pictures. I felt as though I was strolling through that wonderful garden.
Posted by: Beth | July 22, 2010 at 11:12 PM