A Visit to Garden Designer Susan Silverstein’s Home Garden

Susan’s garden is a one-acre property comprised of four distinct areas, each with its own characteristics. The specimen trees and shrubs found here include Cedrus, Cercidiphyllum (Katsura), Cornus, Cryptomeria, Hamamelis, Pinus, Oxydendrum arboreum, Viburnum x ‘Conoy’ and others.

A significant portion of the front lawn has been converted to a mixed pollinator habitat. It is largely populated with natives – Agastache, Amsonia, Asters, Baptisia, Penstemon, Camassia, Echinacea, grasses, and many more of the usual suspects. The lower patio is towered over by a mature Magnolia x soulangeana. This area has been further enhanced by last summer’s addition of a waterfall – installed by Turpin Landscapes.

The sloping areas of the garden are also beautifully landscaped and are not to be missed. The lower slope includes a mix of perennials, shrubs and trees – Chamaecyparis ‘Green Arrow’, Thujopsis dolabrata ‘Nana’, Ilex ‘Maryland Dwarf’, Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’, Viburnum x ‘Conoy’ and others. On the upper slope, three stone stairways wind up to the woodland. A more traditional meadow has evolved into a woodland as a result of changing light conditions over time. Further up, a woodland path winds through the hillside and is filled with Hellebore, Trilliums, Mitchella repens, and spring ephemerals.

Susan Silverstein is a garden designer and owner of Artisan Gardens in West Chester, PA (https://artisangardenswc.com). She volunteered and studied at Longwood Gardens completing Series I & II and was in the first group to complete the Design Certificate program. She began her garden journey at this property 20⁺ years ago. She initially adopted the ‘tear out; try this plant; see what happens’ design approach. After subsequently collaborating with Kirkpatrick Nurseries for design work, ‘what happened’ became a bit more focused. Although retired, Susan volunteers with the Chester County Intermediate Horticultural Program and West Chester’s Green Team, and will consult as requested.

Additionally, anyone interested in looking at a couple of installations based on the Homegrown National Park Concept developed by Doug Tallamy can contact Susan at info@artisangardenswc.com . West Chester’s Green Team has been incorporating this concept into unused spaces in the borough. You can learn more about the Homegrown National Park work at: About Us - Homegrown National Park - Regenerate Biodiversity .

We are also welcome and encouraged to visit Kirkpatrick Nurseries during our visit to the area. Be sure to check out their website at Kirkpatrick Nurseries Home. Susan will be happy to meet anyone interested in assistance at the nursery.

Looking for lunch? Here are some suggestions that are in the West Chester Borough.

www.ariannasgourmetcafe.com (reservations recommended)

www.pietrosprime.com

www.maeswc.com/restaurant

This is a Members Only event, but registration is required. $5 per attendee. Maximum number of guests is 15. Only guests who are on the same membership as the registrant are permitted to attend.

This tour is full.

Wear closed toe walking shoes due to steep slopes and stone stairways. In the event of light rain, bring an umbrella. In the event of heavy rain, registrants will be contacted if cancellation is necessary.

Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event.

A restroom will be available.

Address and parking directions will be sent to all registrants in their confirmation email.

HPS Contact: Laura Axel at waysandmeans@hardyplant.org