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COUNTRY GARDENS // FA LL 2019
M
ichael Gordon knows eyes. The Peterborough, New Hampshire,
optometrist examines his patients’ eyes during the week, and on
weekends he delights in leading the eye through his garden by
framing axis views and focal points and putting together dazzling
plant combinations. His small garden, situated on less than half an acre, feels
much larger thanks to its division into distinct garden rooms on three levels.
Terraced into a steep slope behind the 100-year-old white clapboard house
Michael shares with his wife, Betsy, the garden is defined by tall yew hedges that
buffer the vertiginous hillside, creating a sense of safe enclosure. Within these
emerald walls, granite steps lead to intimate bluestone patios overlooking lush
borders set off by neat runners of lawn.
Although he’d never made a garden before moving here in 1989, Michael took
on the design himself, moving every stone and planting every plant, many from
seed. He trained his eye to recognize good design by devouring books by English
designer Rosemary Verey and by visiting and studying gardens she referenced.Michael and Betsy Gordon in their
garden. Michael’s influences
include Great Dixter and
Sissinghurst in England, and also
the garden designs of the Cornish
Art Colony in New Hampshire.
Neighbors enjoy a colorful
view of the upper garden
over a white picket fence—
Michael thinks of this as
his public garden. A gently
curving lawn edged with
brick offers a calm, green foil
to festive, hot-hue flowers
planted to catch the eyes of
passersby in summer. At the
end of the lawn, twin stone
pillars mark the entrance to
the Hall With Balls, which
leads to the lower garden.