Farmhouse Meadows (Ancram, NY)
Susan’s property is a 55-acre farmland and woodland property in Ancram, NY. Susan and Nellie have been collaborating since spring of 2023 with the goals to restore the land, reduce the lawn, increase biodiversity, and invite in more pollinators and birds. Over the years, Nellie has helped to convert much of the lawn to meadow, planted dozens of fruit and nut trees (including many native species like hazelnut, american plum, and serviceberry), expanded native garden beds around the house, created a trail through the woods, and much more.
spring 2023 - present
back view of house before
back view of house after
“Nellie has been brilliant at supporting me in envisioning my landscape with the goal of restoring and enhancing its biodiversity, taking both a short- and longer-term perspective on the project. She has curated seed mixes for my meadows to extend my wildflower meadow and to create new meadow areas to replace existing lawn. She advises me on native flowering plants for the beds and on a diversity of native grasses. She has selected bare root trees for my hedgerows and is growing a grove of fruit and nut bearing trees. She has been so skilled at planting and tending that almost everything she introduced has thrived (not an easy feat given our deer population, recent spongy moth infestations, and common wild swings of wind and weather).
Nellie’s depth of knowledge of native plants and wildlife, and her delight in her observations of the natural world is contagious. My time with Nellie is always a joy and I always end our time together with a deeper love and appreciation of my land and with a greater sense of anticipation for what comes next.”
front lawn before
front lawn after
gardens & meadow overlooking farmland
meadow & orchard beyond
meadows and shrubs in front of house
mountain mint, echinacea, hyssop & monarda
meadow bursting with black eyed susans
seating area by young red oak