THB Farm - Philosophy and Testimonials
In a (large!)) nutshell, my gardening philosophy is based upon:
Choosing plants suited for your particular site conditions, rather than trying to change your conditions to suit certain plants.
Replacing all or part of your lawn with areas of plants, shrubs and trees that provide benefits for birds, pollinators and beneficial insects, and reducing your need to mow
Reducing or eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of organic techniques and products such as companion planting and compost
Using native plants wherever possible to support local biodiversity
Recognizing that most bugs are "good bugs", most bees are gentle and do not sting, and that insects in general are essential to healthy ecosystems.
Letting go of the idea that we need fussy, high-maintenance exotic plants in order to have a beautiful garden.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro) is a great plant for New England gardens. Its striking blue flowers attract butterflies and pollinators, and American goldfinches love picking at the seeds later in the year. Globe Thistle is easy to grow in a well-drained area with full sun.
What clients are saying about my work:
"Ellen helped me realize not only my
garden's potential, but my potential
as a gardener. I was always fearful
of how and where to group plants, if
I could move things around or how to
even get started. Ellen encouraged
my efforts, added artistic design and
made me believe this could all be
possible in my little garden (despite
the fact that I have two young children,
work full time and have a dog who
enjoys digging up what I plant)."
Andrea, Framingham MA
Ellen's "coaching has given us the
confidence to face the challenge of
shade gardening. We are learning how
rewarding it can be to play in dirt!"
Judy, Spencer MA
Ellen's passion and enthusiasm is
contagious and I can't wait for
spring to arrive so that we can get
started implementing the gorgeous
plan she created for us. She listened
carefully to my needs and concerns,
knowing I'm not an avid gardener and
then designed a garden that met those
needs utilizing low maintenance plants
that even I couldn't kill. When I
think of how much time and money I've
wasted in the past on plants that
weren't right for my garden, I only
wish I'd found Ellen sooner. Thank
you so much!!
Terri, Uxbridge MA
"As a garden designer, Ellen is passionate,
knowledgeable and creative. She is able
to meet the needs of her clients and the
environment in a way that benefits them
both."
Lauren, Spencer MA
"Thank you again for all of your great
advice for our garden - we newbies
appreciate it!"
Janice and Michael, Berlin MA
"A few hours after (everything was
planted), mid afternoon yesterday, I
looked out my window and there was a
whole flock of chipping sparrows in the
trees and shrubs already! It was magical!
I was like, 'Ellen was right! the trees
are coaxing the birds out of the woods!'
I didn't expect it to happen so soon!
wow!!" Sophie, Berlin MA "We have had SO many compliments already.
I want to thank you again for your time
and help. It is so nice to finally feel
proud of our yard and to have color. Plus,
I look forward every day to taking care
of it. Some of the plants are already
changing and it is so much fun to watch
Oh--and we have already seen so many more
butterflies and our first hummingbird!
That has been fantastic!" Nicole, Groton MA "Thank you for the patience,
guidance and vision."
Judy, Spencer MA
"Your suggestions and encouragement
were just what we needed to get us
going again on the garden"
D and Dotty, Sterling MA "We were very thankful and impressed at your knowledge of just about everything and it was such a great help for us to be taught what is all around us at our home. We cannot wait to start nature-beautifying our home...thank you so much for your expertise and your patience in teaching us and for all the beauty you are sharing with us." Pamela, Charlton MA