The enchanting garden of Tingshu Hu and Philip Zhao stems from a simple source: a singular crabapple tree.
Living in Massachusetts, the couple was inspired by a nearby crabapple in full bloom, its vibrant hue glistening against a backdrop of snow.
They envisioned a similar focal point in their own little oasis and chose the lively ‘Prairiefire’ cultivar to take center stage.
This decision laid the groundwork for their garden’s layout, a tapestry of beds and borders meant to harmonize beautifully around this stunning tree.
Transition to Massachusetts
In January 2005, Tingshu and Philip made the transition from sunny California to the diverse climate of Massachusetts.
They were immediately struck by the beauty of a solitary crabapple tree that stood out against the winter white, its ruby fruits shining brightly in the sun.
This scene sparked a newfound passion for gardening within them.
Eager to recreate the allure of the ‘Prairiefire’ (Malus ‘Prairiefire’, hardy in Zones 4–8), they planted it at the heart of their outdoor sanctuary.
Tingshu reflects on that choice, recognizing that this tree became the cornerstone for all other elements of their garden.
- Location: Dunstable, Massachusetts
- Size: 1 acre
- Hardiness Zone: 6
- Conditions: A mix of full sun and partial shade, with loamy soil
- Established: About 20 years ago
Design Elements
The couple’s move to the East Coast proved to be an unexpected catalyst for their flourishing horticultural interests.
Much to their surprise, the shift from California to New England kindled a passion for plants.
Using the crabapple as their guiding inspiration, they wove together elements from both Chinese and English gardening traditions.
This blending culminated in a landscape that surprisingly exudes a tropical vibe for its northern locale.
Tingshu mentioned their design draws on four key aspects characteristic of traditional Chinese gardens: plants, water, rocks, and structures.
While Tingshu takes charge of botanical arrangements that embody the wild charm typical of English cottage gardens, Philip enthusiastically constructs features and captures their garden’s beauty through his photography.
Flowering trees and shrubs play a pivotal role in their design narrative.
Since planting the original crabapple, the duo has added 23 more flowering woody plants to their garden.
Their favorites include the weeping ‘Louisa’ crabapple (Malus ‘Louisa’, Zones 4–8), the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis, Zones 4–9), Stellar Pink® dogwood (Cornus ‘Rutgan’, Zones 5–8), and the enchanting ‘Crimson Cascade’ weeping peach (Prunus persica ‘Crimson Cascade’, Zones 5–9).
Yet, their garden boasts much more than just flowering specimens.
Conifers, Japanese maples (Acer palmatum and a variety of cultivars, Zones 5–9), and redtwig dogwoods (Cornus sericea and its subspecies, Zones 2–7) add richness in texture and foliage.
In spring, exuberant blooms from bulbs appear, alongside a colorful array of perennials like catmint (Nepeta spp. and its cultivars, Zones 3–8), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 4–7), meadow rue (Thalictrum spp. and cultivars, Zones 3–9), and Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis, Zones 4–8) providing a vibrant display throughout the growing season.
Ornamental grasses soften the garden’s borders, while low-growing ground covers like ‘Magic Carpet’ creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’, Zones 4–9) and ‘Baby Tears’ sedum (Sedum album var. chloroticum ‘Baby Tears’, Zones 4–9) fill in the spaces between plants.
Challenges and Triumphs
This dense planting strategy not only reduces maintenance but also heightens the visual appeal.
Each thoughtfully designed section brims with an array of flora.
Luxurious perennials such as ‘Hummelo’ betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’, Zones 4–8) and ‘Zagreb’ threadleaf tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’, Zones 3–9) intermingle with ground-hugging plants, creating a tightly woven tapestry that curbs weed growth effectively.
As spring bursts into color, the garden truly comes alive in the warmth of midsummer.
Among early-flowering trees in the backyard, summer heralds a riot of perennial and annual blooms.
The couple thoughtfully ensures that their patio and seating areas are surrounded by a dazzling palette, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for summer gatherings with friends and family.
Water, an essential component of their design, flows through two tranquil ponds, which not only add serenity to the landscape but also sustain moisture-loving plants like lotus (Nelumbo nucifera, Zones 4–9).
Over the years, Philip has invested time and effort in creating various features—from pergolas and arbors to fences, pathways, bridges, a greenhouse, and even an aquaponics system—using materials sourced from their own property.
Incorporating water into the garden reflects a foundational principle of traditional Chinese landscapes.
The two serene ponds not only contribute to the tranquility but also support a variety of aquatic plants.
The garden reveals a harmonious blend of always-exciting plant diversity; while bright annuals like zinnias (Zinnia spp. and cultivars) and salvias (Salvia spp. and cultivars) command attention, a sturdy foundation of perennials and soft ornamental grasses ground the overall design.
Visitors are greeted by the impressive front garden, which hints at the skill and dedication of the garden’s creators.
Despite the joys that gardening brings, Tingshu and Philip face their share of challenges.
Persistent pests, particularly rabbits and voles, have tested their resolve.
To protect their treasured plants, they constructed rabbit-proof fencing that envelops about three quarters of their garden.
However, safeguarding against voles required creative solutions.
They found success by planting tempting species in metal mesh baskets, although this approach does increase maintenance needs.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, Zones 5–8) has proven somewhat effective in deterring voles, despite its notorious rapid spread creating its own unique challenges.
The couple has even embraced an expanding population of garden snakes, viewing them as valuable allies in natural pest control.
As the garden gracefully evolves around the original crabapple that sparked this journey, the ongoing interplay of plants, water elements, rocks, and architectural features continually enriches its design.
With each passing year, new pockets of the garden reveal themselves, offering Tingshu, Philip, and their beloved dogs, Luke and Deedee, ever-growing delight in their serene outdoor retreat.
Source: Finegardening