Aspet, Saint Gaudens National Historic Site

Cornish, New Hampshire

Cornish Colony artists such as Augustus Saint Gaudens, Charles Platt and Ellen Shipman shaped an influential new garden style out of ideas borrowed from Italy but made with native New England plants and materials. What looks comfortably old-fashioned today was at the leading edge of garden-making in its day. The site is recognized as one of the most beautiful cultural properties in the National Park Service. As gardener, I refurbished hundred-year-old hedges, instituted organic lawn care practices, and returned the artist’s intent to the exuberant flower gardens. I remain active as a Trustee of the Saint-Gaudens Memorial.