HISTORY OF GARDEN

These beautiful gardens cover approximately 10 acres and are a blend of Carolyn's spirituality and her love for fantasy. The stroll through her gardens begins off Hermitage Drive on the Aurora pathway, lined with moss, hostas, wildflowers, ferns and shrubs. The stairs lead you around a formal granite fountain and up to the house. A look to the left allows a view of what appears to be a bell tower which she and her grandchildren suspect is inhabited by a troll (fantasy). After passing the front of the house and on the left are stone steps leading to her Secret Place (spiritual) where Lenten Rose grows alongside woodland shade plants, Solomon's Seal and ferns. Many of the ferns have been transplanted from their property joining Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County.

A waterfall and pond were added behind the house in 1992. River rock and slate stepping stones were hauled in by Bob and Carolyn for these projects from the creeks on their property in Stanly County. The pathway by the waterfall leads to the Conservatory where Carolyn and the granddaughters had tea parties, although they were not very excited about eating a nasturtium stuffed with crabmeat. Around the corner is the Lovers' Garden where a bench for two is tucked away. The Moongate is very visible, which leads to a Weeping Willow Fountain made in England.

The walk continues to the stone wall featuring a dripping fountain where frogs jump out of view and bog plants grow. Next is the cypress arbor where stones from Israel are cemented into a wall. A rock garden and night garden are next and passing through the large gate are the greenhouse and a building built by the Amish. After passing the greenhouse there is a gravel garden on the left.

In Carolyn's land of fantasy, the lower gardens reveal a Stumpery on the left. Another Koi pond on the right. The best view of the display gardens is from the house inspired by Narnia which is seen on the left as you pass the Koi pond. The imaginary hermit looks out his front door to see annuals planted into the shape of a large butterfly. (A symbol of the resurrection) Just outside the hermit's door is a huge stone that Bob discovered on their land in Stanly County. The stone has an indention in the shape of a cross. There are many other things to tickle anyone's fancy.

Another unique feature is the Amazing Grace Bells. These are located on the Meditation Pathway. These bells were crafted from used oxygen tanks and cut and tuned to play Amazing Grace. Enjoy!!

It is a peaceful place to spend a few hours. Many who attend, do just that. They sit in the swing and relax and enjoy God's creation.