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.
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