Lily pond -- getting ready for the summer season
Last week, after the television shoot in Sag Harbor and after visiting the antique shops I stopped at my home in East Hampton on Lily Pond Lane. I was there just a few weeks earlier and I was amazed how much greener the yard is and how things have grown since then. In June, when the roses are blooming, these gardens are really spectacular. Here’s a preview.
This pretty orange fern is a Dryopteris 'brilliance'.
This tall fern is unfurling rapidly
After several years, this fern makes a lovely ground cover.
A fading tulip growing next to Athyrium 'Japanese Painted Fern'.
Two cement bulldogs guard the entrance to the cottage behind the main house.
This is the front yard at Lily Pond. In a few weeks, the front porch will be covered with fragrant old-fashioned roses. The giant urn has been covered all winter for protection -- I haven't decided yet what to plant in it.
This mockingbird seems to enjoy perching on this antique iron garden bench under a
rose arbor.
This walk-through of arches is also covered with roses -- the buds are swelling.
This is back of lily pond; the cushions for the garden furniture are still in storage.
Pink tulips mingle with tall ostrich ferns.
Wicker porch furniture under cover.
This is Alex who tends to the gardens and the property.
More ferns unfurling in the sun.
A view of the pool.
This is the shade garden on the far side of the house.
This is my little nymph birdbath. The vine behind it is climbing hydrangea.
I love this house. The arbors bring back memories of Monet's garden at Giverny.
Posted by: Evelyn Ackbarali | May 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 am
Hi Martha-Wow, this place is so pretty! The sight and fragrance while walking through the rose arch in the summer will be heavenly. Why not be like Monet and plant sunflowers in the urn? You might need two urns for balance though.
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | May 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 am
It's georgous, fabulous. I Loved It.
Bye du Québec
Posted by: Renée Couture | May 23rd, 2008 at 6:07 am
Martha,
Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Your shade garden, especially, gave me some inspiration for a large (approximately one acre) shady spot on my property. I love the stepping stones set casually into the neatly sheared grass path! So relaxed and yet so very Hamptons. I would love to know what the large burgundy-colored plant is, on the right side of the photo just above the midline. I've been planning my shade garden in my mind for a while but have been in need of a shot of deep color like that for depth in a few places.
Posted by: Cynthia S | May 23rd, 2008 at 6:59 am
What a wonderful retreat to go to in the summer. It's so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures with us.
Posted by: Maureen | May 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 am
Hi Martha
May I ask what colour green you have on the trim of the house is called? My wife and I just purchased a summer house on Prince Edward Island in Canada and its a cedar shake on the outside. We would like to incorporate this colour into the house.
I know you are looking for a waterfront property. Prince Edward Island is beautiful. The soil is very red, the grass very green and the ocean on sunny days very blue. The combination of those three colors is spectacular.
Thank you
Darrell White
Toronto, Canada
Posted by: darrell white | May 23rd, 2008 at 7:20 am
Tell Alex he is doing a fantastic job. Love the nymph birdbath and the pool and the brick around it. I bet the rose archway is exquisite when in bloom. Lily Pond is beautiful front and back. The shade garden is also beautiful and the urns I see are too. Have a great summer. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | May 23rd, 2008 at 7:37 am
Hi, Martha,
Lily Pond is beautiful. Thanks for showing us the ferns, tulips, roses, and hydrangea as well as cement bulldogs, urn, arch, and little nymph birdbath. Alex takes good care of all. What a spot to enjoy the summer!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 23rd, 2008 at 8:15 am
BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Mrs. Ben Lanier | May 23rd, 2008 at 8:30 am
I love it so much as things unfurl in the spring, but I don't know if anything makes me as happy as seeing the ferns come alive. And, the lilacs and apple blossoms.
Posted by: so NOT cool | May 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
The shade garden path is very similar to my former garden in the pacific NW. I assume there are hostas? Never too many hostas! I still have a shade garden but my zone has dropped to 2-3 and I am reading that some hostas will tolerate it so wish me luck. Martha if you are taking these photos you may have missed another calling in your life. They are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Robin Ball | May 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Martha, it is PERFECT except for one thing: you need to paint red jerseys and black G's on the the cement bulldogs to make then GEORGIA BULLDAWGS! We love you in Georgia!
Posted by: lawdawg | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Martha,
I was just thinking not long ago that it had been so long since we had heard about or seen photos of Lily Pond. Thank you for the update! The house looks lovely.
The shade garden path is a magical ittle place!
Best,
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am
I think this is the best view you have given us of Lily Pond. I love the pool, the walkway, the shade garden, the nymph bird bath; wait, I like everything. I still have the show on tape where you pointed out the big urn in the backyard and I think you said it was a focal point for everything else and then you showed us a panoramic photo of the entire yard. Everything is beautiful! Thanks for the glimpse. Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
clearly your most beutiful property. this looks like it's a home. enjoy your summer.
Posted by: Charles St. Louis | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 am
Martha...Lily Pond is so lovely and your lawn looks very healthy. I love ferns as well and have planted many in my shade garden...i am particularly fond of 'Ghost' Fern which i first encountered at Van Dusen Gardens here in Vancouver. Your photos give me the inspiration to carry on with the challenges that my shade garden presents me with...it's getting easier through all the information and education. So thanks! Enjoy Lily Pond and when Alex has some free time could you send him here when i'm away on vacation!!
Posted by: Sherey | May 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Stunning. I would love to know what the plant with the arcing leaves is in the first photo. Looks like clivia but I did not know clivia would survive the winter outside there. The home and grounds are so beautiful. Love you, Martha. Judy C.
Posted by: Judy C. | May 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 am
Thank you for the shots of your shade loving plants. Do you receive plenty of rainfall or do they require lots of artifical watering? It is nice to see pretty things.
Posted by: Margie | May 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Love the nymph bird bath! Bet that property has many delightful little surprises tucked away. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Katherine | May 23rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi Martha, Your photos of Lily Pond are absolutely gorgeous! It looks like Alex takes wonderful care of the gardens and your property. All of the ferns are especially vibrant. I absolutely love the beautiful pool. The color is stunning! What a perfect spot to spend warm summer days. Thanks again for sharing. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 23rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
It looks sooo beautiful there. I would love to have my yard resemble that somewhat. It has potential, but it takes a lot of up keep to do that. I love the iron garden bench under a
rose arbor. That space looks sooo pretty. I want to take a good book there!!!
Posted by: Ashley | May 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Wow Martha, your house is stunning! I love the archways, so whimsical and magical!
Posted by: holly hatam | May 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Martha, what a beautiful home! Do you go there often? I have never heard you mention this place before. How very lucky you are to have so many beautiful homes! You should offer a contest for a chance to have lunch with you at this wonderful place. i would try very hard to win!
Take care and have a great Memorial weekend.
Kim
Posted by: kim from Maryland | May 23rd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Martha,
Lily Pond is absolutely beautiful. I have always LOVED that home of yours and seeing the pool, gardens, ferns, flowers and personal touches as your blue urns and pots are just beyond words.
I do love the Japanese fern.
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday!
BTW..glad to see that Martyn, is feeling better.
Show us more of Lily Pond in the future!
Love,
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | May 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Hi,
This a beautiful property, thanks for sharing it with us.
I've been trying to reach you about a question I have. Where may I buy scotch Brite glass cook top cleaner (scrubber)?
I've not found them in the stores here. Please help it you can.
Yhanks again.
Posted by: Marta | May 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Hi again,
For the urn, maybe a beautiful tropical, like a big cycad.
Just thinking aloud!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | May 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Wow - would you consider loaning Alex out? Simply amazing!
Posted by: Amy | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
The picture of the cement bulldogs is so magical! The color scheme of the pots/doors to your cottage is breathtaking! Your design aesthetic has influenced me so greatly and has inspired me always. Thank you.
Posted by: Rachel | May 24th, 2008 at 7:34 am
How beautiful!!!!!!!!!
I love the birdbath!
Posted by: Cindi | May 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I don't know how I have missed the fact that you have a personal blog! I have it bookmarked now, though!
How beautiful all of the gardens and the house are! Alex is doing a fantastic job : )
Just wanted to say that I love your show and your magazine, and I already have my 3 oldest girls addicted, as well! When I grow up, I want to be you LOL
Posted by: Tonya Richard | May 24th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Martha,
I love how the beautiful shades of copper patina integrate all of the unique diversity of this property. Lily Pond is both stunning and tranquil!
Posted by: Matthew | May 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
dear friend martha,
thanks for the visit to lily pond lane and your beautiful home. i love all your homes-but there is something really magical about lily pond. i'll bet you have something to do with it! have a happy summer.
Posted by: domestic darlin' | May 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Martha - You have been tagged! Please read my blog for the rules. It would be so great if you answered!
Posted by: christine@simple starfish | May 24th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I love this house, its so beautiful and just blocks from the ocean. I wonder if Martha knows Jon Bon Jovi owns a house just 4 houses down from her?
Posted by: Susan | May 25th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Such a beautiful property, Martha - your lawn and plants look fantastic! Remembering that you like to garden organically, I wonder if you would consider doing a segment on your show about lawn care. I'm having good luck with corn gluten meal, but so few people seem to know about it. It would be great if you could introduce it and other organic lawn care tips to your viewers.
Posted by: Ann | May 25th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks for sharing. I have never heard of climbing hydrangeas. I live in Richmond VA.and hope I can find them. Have a Happy Memorial Day. Cathy
Posted by: CATHY MILLER | May 25th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Every aspect of your home is my dream....I live vicariously through your blog and magazine!
Posted by: Noel | May 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
You go, Alex! I'm glad you got some exposure in this post - you are doing a great job!
Posted by: HEATHER | May 26th, 2008 at 11:08 am
What a beautiful unfolding of springtime at your home! Your shade garden is particularly intriguing...love the delicate ferns and the stone pavers interspersed amongst the grass. Do you need to plant a special type of shade grass and how do you keep it so tidy along the outside edges of the pathway?
Posted by: Merne | May 26th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Martha, I think this composition of photos of your home and surroundings is lovely. And, in your words, "a good thing". Thank you so much for your wisdom and shared talent. Hope this weekend was nice.
Benigna Marko
Posted by: Benigna Marko | May 26th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Martha you have a spectacular place. Once again thank you for sharing.
Benigna Marko
Posted by: Benigna Marko | May 26th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Martha, I love your place on lily pond. All of your houses and property always look so beautiful. You have the touch inside and out with decorating. Thanks for sharing, I would love to see all of your homes like this. Virginia
Posted by: Virginia Hamblin | May 27th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Hi Martha,
Here's a pound cake recipe I modified to use honey. It takes lots fo eggs, I know you have chickens and I like the way this recipe tastes with the honey (we have hives too). The original recipe came from a neighbor lady who made decorated cakes, mainly white cakes, so she had a surplus of egg yokes. Let me know if you like it.
Pound cake--2 loves
3 1/2 c flour
1 c sugar
1 c honey
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp salt
1 c shortening
10 egg yokes (3/4 c)
1 c milk
Combine all above and beat 4 mins
Bake in 2 greased and floured loaf pans at 325 deg for an hour or until tests done. This works well at 5280 ft altitude-Denver-, you will know how to modify for sea level.
Posted by: kate brannan | May 27th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Hi Martha,
What a perfectly lovely property you have there. You are so lucky to be able to live amongst this beauty. I hope that my home too, wiht a lot of hard work, will someday be even a fraction as spectacular as yours.
Posted by: Anna Chamberlain | May 27th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The blue-green trim work is stunning. I hope there is a shade similar to it in the Martha Stewart paint line!(?) Mary
Posted by: Mary | May 27th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Good Evening Martha,
Please tell me when the allergy magazine is coming out. I'm anxiously awaiting it!
Regards,
Joan Twigg
"Remember to breathe,smile & have fun"
Posted by: joan twigg | May 28th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I love the green on the house makes it stand out compared to the regular shingle style homes in East HAmpton. I'm sure that the antique roses will look wonderful.
Posted by: Dedric Clark | May 28th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I think I can see you more at this home than the big one. Truly lovely.
Posted by: Ann Loyd | May 29th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Martha:
Thanks for taking us to Lily Pond in your post. We haven't heard much about it recently and it has always been one of my favorites of all your homes. It truly will look spectacular in a couple weeks when all the pink roses are in bloom.
You really have an eye for color and the copper patina color is perfect with the pink blooms and cedar.
On May 23rd, one of the bloggers, Darryl White, stated in his comments that he "know(s) you are looking for a waterfront property" and suggested his hometown of Prince Edward Island.
I'm sure it's beautiful, but if you are looking, Martha, please consider my neck of the woods. I have family in Tuxedo Park, NY: 35 miles from NYC, 1 hour from Bedford and gate-guarded (no crime, private police force and great security for you).
One of it's best features, though, are the 3 beautiful lakes; many people say it reminds them of lake Como, Italy. You really should consider it. Great history, too: former home to Emily Post, the historic Tuxedo Club, etc.
If you're intersted, contact Cindy Booth VanSchaack of Towne & Country Properties 845-351-4503 or check out her website: http://www.towneandcountryinc.com . Cindy is a friend of mine, so please tell her I recommended her. Tuxedo Park offers large and small waterfront properties and you won't be disappointed. It's so close, you might as well check it out!
Have a great weekend!
Joseph Brennan
Posted by: Joseph Brennan | May 30th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Martha:
I forgot to mention in my earlier comment how much I like your pair of bulldog ornaments. They look like two little Sharkeys guarding the entrance!
Now you just need to get a pair of black Francescas for another door!
Joseph Brennan
Posted by: Joseph Brennan | May 31st, 2008 at 12:21 am
Martha - You are very appreciative of what you have, aren't you? You are so grateful for what you have that you love sharing it with us!
Also, my Adirondack patio chairs are painted the same color - in honor of you! THANKS
Posted by: ELIZABETH | July 7th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I left speachless, Some people like you really know where to spend their money. The most beautyfull house of yours !!
Posted by: Domagoj | August 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Martha, I saw your house this week when I was in East Hampton! It's so beautiful!
Posted by: Eileen | August 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Hi Martha,
Your homes are beautiful and the gradens are stunning but we never get to see your greenhouses. I would love to see how you set up your greenhouse and get some ideas for greenhouse "Good Things".
Posted by: Jessica Blake | September 11th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Hi Martha
I'm talking from Lisbon, Portugal.
I am a biiiigggg fan of you and I absolutly looovee wath you and your team have done all over this years.
I'm a litle sad because here in my country I cant´t see your show anymore, they stop playing it on the tv. Now I have to come here to your website to know all the news.
Anyway... I just wanna say that I realy love this one and all of your gardens!
Great job!
Mafalda
Posted by: Mafalda | September 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
DearMartha,I'am a big fan also.......Ihave never stopped watching your show and your views on decorating and your merchandise.......I Love the Hamptons......My Sister and her husband Dr.and MrsWM.t,Stillwell live their.......I watch the Barefoot Contessa just to see the beautiful view sof her Hamptons area their,so beautiful th eOcean, plus I like the Contessa....her Cooking too.... ILove the beauty......of the area....I have been up their from Virginia.....Iam and mydaughter is a big fan of Manhatin and Ne wyork in General.... just Love you and glad you re back doing all you love....hugs just beautiful lif eyou have an dyou deserve it all....hugs JoannCoggins
Posted by: AUdrey JoannCoggins | October 29th, 2008 at 5:22 am
I can see you love your ferns. What are the best conditions for growing these plants?
Posted by: Joe | October 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Recently your show aired a segment on your beautiful "KNOT GARDEN" and I would like to have the design and know a source to find Knot Garden designs. I am inspired to build my own.
Thanks for all your great inspirations!
Posted by: Marcya Wantuch, Daytona Beach FL | November 4th, 2008 at 4:47 am
martha,you teach and inpire me everyday i watch,read or view your take on fine living. thanks and please don't stop.
Posted by: frank | November 15th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Martha... you are an inspriation... keep doing what you do. A classic lady at best.... a class lady at normal.Worst? Does not exist in the MSO vocabulary.
Posted by: roger reynolds | December 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Martha is so vibrant. Just say her in Jay Leno and I loved her craft with glitter. It was beautiful.
Benigna Torviso-Marko
Posted by: Benigna Torviso-Marko | November 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Some of our neighbors have built, themselves, ponds and we are all trying to always outdo one another with the plants. The plants mentioned here are great. Once again than you Martha.
Benigna Torviso-Marko
Posted by: Benigna Torviso-Marko | November 17th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
So do love all the simple methods that Martha makes home crafts look so simple. I love her techniques and her ideas. Always makes the holidays feel so warm. Thank you.
Benigna Marko
Posted by: Benigna Marko | December 1st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
You can't go wrong with Martha's style. I love her special touches. Thank you Martha for sharing.
Benigna Marko
Posted by: Benigna+Marko | April 13th, 2011 at 1:41 pm