28 Bradford Street Bed and Breakfast

WT

he core of the gardens at 28 Bradford Street include plants brought from the woods. Perhaps one of the older plantings is the wisteria bordering much of the south side of the yard.

The twin hemlocks framing front steps are as tall as the house and appear to be from early on. The hostas, hydrangeas and ferns also seem to have been here for quite some time. The hydrangeas are mostly blue though some are purple.

In keeping with the tradition of bringing plantings from the woods I have recently added some wild geraniums from "up Cabin Creek". They are in a small triangular garden next to the patio.

We only have one rose bush that is original and it blooms once during early spring. We have added five rose bushes, including two which were gifts from the second owner's son, Sam, who visited here from Lake Tahoe a few years ago (over time the entire Toovey family moved to the west coast).

We have a robust area of mint by the patio and that is a fine addition to a cold glass of water or some iced tea while you enjoy the nearly constant breeze.

The perennial garden includes hollyhocks from my grandmother's garden. I have tried to collect as many plants as possible that are appropriate for the time the house was built. One neighbor brought me a cali cancer bush because she felt there just had to be one in this yard. At the locally famous annual East End yard sale (always the Saturday before Mother's Day) you can find many local plantings for sale.

In the back (near the parking area) are lilac, mock orange, and other flowers.

The porch has eight hanging baskets and several potted plants and is almost a gardent unto itself.

We recently started an herb garden outside one of the kitchen windows.

Almost anytime of year there is something blooming that can be cut to brighten your room. During the winter it may be no more than a few winter pansies but in the summer and spring you just never know.