Country Gardens – July 2019

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COUNTRY GARDENS // FA LL 2019

WORK WITH THE LAND

“Because we have rocky soil with massive boulders, we put raised beds on the rocks,” Eileen

says. “That’s where we grow shallow crops like basil.”

After clearing trees to create growing space, the Elliotts wanted to use every square foot.

They came up with a straightforward design of rectangular beds radiating from a central spine.

But their location in rocky New Hampshire meant large boulders made digging in some places

impossible. Their solution was to go above ground where necessary. They plant deep-rooted

crops such as potatoes and carrots directly in the ground. Hungry crops, such as corn, also

grow where soil is deep. But shallow-rooted crops are happy in raised beds, where the Elliotts

also plant beets (to deter tunneling voles).

the soil, pumped water, and created a vegetable garden.

Nearly 40 years later, they’re still just as ardent.

Before becoming self-reliant by gardening on their

own land, the Elliotts spent five years learning the ropes

at a community plot in town. Now the fenced vegetable

garden that supports them measures 60×100 feet, with

berries, fruits, and herbs grown in surrounding gardens.

Eileen and Bill welcome every vegetable—with the

exception of their least-liked rutabagas—into their

realm and onto their plates.

And they love to experiment. Bill is the record-

keeper, chronicling produce in the “floor plan” for

rotation and succession purposes—which he and

Eileen have choreographed to a science. They plant

about a third of their crops in raised beds; the rest,

such as corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, go directly in

the ground. Beyond gardening for straight sustenance,

they find time and space to cultivate flowers among the

vegetables. Poppies and amaranth jostle the produce in

the beds, while peonies, daylilies, and dahlias grow in

the fenced garden’s periphery. The Elliotts share garden

duties, and they love every minute of it. They’re still off

the grid, self-sufficient, passionate, and proud of it. And

would they do it again? You betcha.

The silvery velvet

leaves of Salvia

argentea anchor a

bed of colorful edible

and ornamental

plants. The Elliotts

consider beauty

when planting all

their gardens.