Ecological Refuge

About

This two acre garden has been 40 years in the making. I was deeply inspired by Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA, where I was a volunteer for over 20 years.

Ecological and sustainable practices have been present since the beginning. No pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. I describe it as an Outward Bound program for plants.

An abundance of insects and birds is, I like to think, a testimony to these efforts. An acre of the property is a woodland garden with almost 100% native trees and shrubs. There is also an expanding meadow area, perennial borders and a large vegetable and fruit garden.

Primarily DIY, only recently have I hired someone two hours a week to help with the heavy lifting—compost piles, brush removal etc.—making it possible for us to continue to live in this small botanical Ark.

This garden's estimated size is 2 acres.

This Garden Host reports the following Terrain Notes about the garden: This is a garden with many paths, some easier to negotiate than others. For visitors interested in exploring the woodland garden, I would recommend socks and shoes rather than sandals. Depending on the season, tick spray will be available. The meadow area, vegetable garden and perennials beds are reasonably accessible.

2026 Open Day Date: Saturday, September 19

Open Day Hours: 10am–12pm, 12pm–2pm, 2pm–4pm