E grets , herons and butterflies are equally at home on Buckeye Brook in Warwick as are artists Lorraine and Cathal Brown . Situated on a tidal river , their small cottage and surrounding garden utopia are the perfect destination for the birds ’ midday lunch or afternoon respite once the waters recede . And that ’ s just as the homeowners intended .
The Browns ’ lush garden was a blank slate in 2008 when they purchased the less-than-quarter-acre property and 600-square-foot cottage . But the couple , with varied knowledge of plants and gardening , was undaunted . They renovated the home , built a cheerful studio for Lorraine , and slowly tended the garden year after year . The result is a whimsical manifestation of nature inside and out , as well as a prime spot for fauna to forage .
“ We started in the back , in the shade garden . We brought plants from other places we lived or that friends gave us ,” Lorraine says .
“ Now it has a mind of its own .”
Their “ give it a go ” strategy was simple : to rescue remnant bargain plants and fill their yard with interesting layers , textures and colors that bring them joy . They also didn ’ t fret too much if a hosta or azalea didn ’ t make it , because that ’ s nature , they say .
At the front of the property , beds of vibrant hellebore , marigolds and peonies invite visitors to follow a stone path that meanders through a courtyard of ivy at the foot of a large dogwood tree . It connects to the studio on one side and a grapevine-covered pergola on the other . A shade garden there offers respite from the sun , while a hammock anchored on a huge willow tree invites relaxation .
“ You have to feel your way into nature and let whatever shows up in front of you be part of the story . Especially the broken , damaged plants that are so appreciative to be bought for $ 1 ,” Cathal says . “ The Mikawa yatsubusa [ dwarf Japanese maple ] cost us $ 380 ,
112 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2024