The Garden Tells All
Great landscapes reflect the people who make them. Every step you take in this one reveals more about who Eve and Per are. For one thing, they love being outdoors. You can tell from the many benches and chairs they've tucked away among plants, where they can sit, have a drink, and talk or watch a sunset. They relish surprises. Nowhere in the garden can you stand and see it all. You must walk a path, round a corner, and discover what awaits. They also like to laugh. Whimsical sculptures meet you at every turn--from dancing cranes to stalking chameleons to rocks perched in a tree (Per's handiwork). "We like to create things that make people smile," explains Eve. (Just don't shake Per's tree.)

above, left: Per suspended a painted metal bird from an old iron heating grate to make an interesting garden ornament.; above, right: Believe it or not, this dovecote is about 18 feet tall. The copper roof came from a Virginia stable, and the rest is made of cedar.

More than 1,700 kinds of plants grow here. No wonder horticulture students from Longwood take final exams in this garden. Ordinary folks visit too. Novice gardeners come looking for ideas to try at home. Others return year after year simply to watch the garden grow. Eve enjoys meeting them all. "I tell them, 'Don't bother calling; you're welcome to walk through anytime,' " she says.

above, left: Formerly an orchard, the garden consists of planting beds linked by stone and grass paths. The sculptures draw just as many raves as the plants.; above, right: 'Golden Showers' rose and 'Etoile Violette' clematis cover this copper arbor. Raised beds hold boxwoods, perennials, and annuals.

But if you do, watch out for Eve and her favorite toy. "I just got a brand-new lawn tractor for my birthday," she says, nearly bursting with excitement. "It has power steering and everything."