Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Today’s photos are from Betsy Palmer Thompson outside Albany, New York. Betsy says, “My garden is a bit unusual, as I live in a townhouse in the middle of a building of six houses. The property is just 22 feet wide, but it is deep — 55 feet in front of the house and 100 feet behind.
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
“I have lived here for 27 years, gradually removing all the lawn and replacing it with small trees, shrubs and perennials. There are over 200 cultivars of daylilies, nearly 100 each of hosta and iris, 20 of epimedium, a large collection of wildflowers, and many other favorite plants.
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
“I do have a compost pile, but I must have compost delivered as well, as I am an organic gardener. All supplies have to be carried through the house, storage is limited, deer and other wildlife are daily visitors, and neighborhood restrictions prevail, so the challenges are many, but I keep plugging along. This is my little paradise. I love sharing it with friends, participating in local plant societies, and donating plants to worthy organizations.”
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Wow, Betsy! You’ve overcome some serious obstacles to create a gorgeous garden. Your neighbors must adore you. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
***Much more info in the captions***
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Betsy Palmer Thompson
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Comments
Thank you so much for sharing these photos- they are wonderful! I find your gardens to be fascinating- wow! Would I love to visit! Congratulations on your accomplishments in such a challenging space! LOVE IT!
Absolutely beautiful Betsy! You have created lots of interesting areas in a small space and it flows together so nicely! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful and impressive, Betsy! Your garden is even more impressive when you consider that you have to carry all of your materials through your house!
Wonderful!!!
The garden is beautiful, only wish when I enlarge the pictures that the pictures would have filled the entire monitor. This way it feels like you have been place directly in the garden and can see all the details, instead viewing the garden as a snapshot. I look forward to my dose of GPOD with my coffee and Betsy's garden is sooooooooo beautiful. She did a wonderful job. Thanks for sharing
Betsy, what a remarkable achievement your garden represents. I would never have remotely guessed that you are dealing with space limitations since the pictures show one beautiful vignette after another. In fact, if it were April 1st, I would suspect Michelle of playing a trick on us! You definitely deserve the "where there's the will, there's a way" award of the year.
Do you happen to recall the name of the pink peony...it's very lovely. And while I'm in the question mode, what is the beautiful white flowering tree in the over head shot?
I find your commitment to the color blue in your choice of ornamentation to be very effective...it provides continuity and communicates serenity. You are really a dedicated and talented gardener.
I am totally impressed by your garden, Betsy. And to think its in a townhouse community.
To Meander1:
The pink peony was purchased at Agway some 20 years ago. The label simply said "pink." The little tree with the white flowers, viewed from my bedroom window is Chionanthus virginicus 'Grancy Greybeard.'
Betsy
VERY impressive for a townhouse garden. I am sure your neighbours love it, as your gardens definitely increase the value of the properties adjoining.
I love the stream you have formed. Does it evaporate much during the hot summer months?
I'm glad to see you kept at least one peony. They are so magnificent when they bloom ( although they do flop ), but the foliage is nice after deadheading and do provide a nice foundaton for the garden.
I like the concept of rooms within the garden. If only I had more space ....
Thanks for sharing with us.
Hi neighbor! I'm less than an hour from downtown Albany, in Greene County. I'm very impressed with how Betsy practices remarkable frugality by getting so much from so little space, not a wasted square inch anywhere, yet nothing looks cramped, from the pictures it looks like it can be several acres. And I love your stone work, however I can't imagine you hauling all those rocks one by one through your house, that alone was a truly *monumental* task. Everything looks fantastic, I even like your little water feature. And I love, LOVE your patio. Betsy's garden is a photographer's paradise. Kudos!
Betsy, I am new to Albany and will be creating many new gardens. You are a local inspiration and obviously have found great success in the area. I wonder if I could visit to see your wonderful gardens in person? I'm very curious about organic gardening and have always used some form of it to enrich plants - however, it looks like you could teach me a lot!
Anyone wishing to visit my garden may contact me at [email protected]. I often give tours.
Betsy
I absolutely LOVE your garden. You have so many little garden treasures to boot; the anemonella is gorgeous (I've killed mine); your trillium is amazing (I've had two flowers in 7 years); lovely little corydalis (have killed more than I can count); and etoile rose is my favorite clematis (still going strong!). KUDOS!
I don't think I can add anything more to what everyone has said - your garden is absolutely gorgeous and I too thought that it was done on a grand scale. I can't imagine bringing things through your home but where there is a will - there is a way. And restrictions? What restrictions - lol Again - where there is a will - there is a way. Absolutely a beautiful garden!!!!
Betsy - absolutely STUNNING!! I want to be there. :) I, too, have a small space. A little cape cod in the city on a 45-100ft lot. I have managed to create a small paradise for myself - but I have a LOT to do and you have inspired me with wonderful ideas. If I am ever traveling in your area - I would also love a tour of your beautiful gardens. Thank you for posting such lovely photos and descriptions.
Betsy, my compliments to you for being an effective gardener inspite of all the challenges that you faced in creating a beautiful garden. But I am also interested in how you protected your numerous and apparently sumptuous daylilies and hostas from the ravaging eyes and appetites of the deer aside from probably using gallons of repellent. Any tips you can pass?
I used to live back there - not too far from Albany, up in the Voorheesville area and there are some gardens that are soooo lovely, they could make a boulder cry for joy. And your garden seems to be one of those. It simply takes my breath away! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
This would be beautiful and terrific for someone with lots of room and no obstacles to overcome but you show great persistence, perseverance, and creativity. My gardener's hat is off to you!
Wonderful use of limited space. Just love your blue accents- they help to pull everything together. Love it all!
Yesterday's garden was 57 acres, today's is less than an acre. It Just goes to show, beautiful gardens can come in all sizes.
Betsy, your garden is wonderful. You have set a high bar for your neighbors. I do hope it's contagious. I know I would enjoy sitting outdoors and looking out at that yard. Simply gorgeous.
Your garden gives the feel of a private, secluded glade. The use of stones gives a natural feel and the blue accents are perfect. The pink flowers are perfect contrast. The photo of pink clematis, white astilbe, and hosta is gorgeous. I am inspired by your commitment and style, and while borrow some of your design ideas. Fantastic garden!
Your design sense is amazing; what a wonderful space -- a great garden IS a bit of paradise!
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