United States of America -- Pennsylvania -- Erie -- Erie
Scope and Contents:
1 folder and 20 digital images. The folder includes worksheets, historical and biographical information, and images.
General:
A canopy of mature trees, tall hedges and foundation plantings around the 1940's traditional style house were the backbones for the colorful and textural gardens the current owners have created over twenty years. Spring flowering trees and shrubs including dogwood, crabapple, redbud, ornamental cherries, azaleas and rhododendron were planted throughout the six acre property to celebrate the end of the long, gray winters in western Pennsylvania. Additional gardens were designed beginning in 1998 after the house was enlarged, including a brick patio with a fountain in front of the wide but narrow house that defines the entrance. Tall hedges are kept trimmed and define garden rooms close to the house while newer asymmetrical beds have been added further afield. These beds were planted with daffodils, ornamental grasses and shrubs that deer avoid; since the property is not fenced deer deterrents include a row of colorful ceramic balls to block their path as well as combinations of plants deer do not eat, such as alliums, with the hosta collection. Hanging planters, tuteurs and sculpture that add height and visual interest include three metal spheres that are moved around the garden rooms to highlight blooming. A hedge of crabapple and arborvitae along the road was planted for privacy.
In addition to 45 varieties of hosta and ten varieties of ornamental grasses the twelve garden rooms contain numerous perennials in beds, borders and containers, and collections of sedum, ground cover plants, and hydrangea. The chosen plants have to be hardy enough to survive without special care, and increasing shade from all the trees that were planted dictates more part-sun or shade perennials in the garden beds. Wrought iron furniture from the 1940's was painted purple while vintage cast iron urns were painted white and planted with red annuals. A bed of rocks and a row of ball-shaped boxwood were features inspired by visits to gardens in Japan.
Persons associated with the garden include Walter S. and Elizabeth J. Yahn (former owners, 1940-1980); Chester A. Patterson (architect, 1940); Michael Grab (architect, 1997); Brett Maloney (landscape designer, 1997- ); .
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
