A typical garden plan is usually laid out to either frame a home or to create a vista to be seen from within. A garden room- whether established or still in the planning stages-is a private destination within your own garden. It’s a secluded outdoor space that beckons you to pick up a book, sunbathe, or spoil children with a magical retreat limited only by their imagination.

Ironic that an early nineteenth century novelette featuring the escapade of our first president George Washington as a boy breaking in a new ax on a cherry tree is the same type of tree tourists flock to our nation’s capital every year to admire in bloom. The original 3,020 cherry trees were given to us in 1912 as a token of friendship from the Japanese people. A few miles away in Southern Maryland, climate conditions are excellent for a healthy life expectancy of 40 - 60 years for cherry trees. These beauties provide a distinct and welcome declaration of spring.

A lovely site within view of the Patuxent River in Calvert County is the winner of our magazine’s Most Beautiful Garden contest. It was designed and built by Chloe Ewalt with assistance from her husband, Bart. Their garden boasts a nicely executed design, full season elements of interest, wildlife considerations, diverse plantings, and a place to sit and enjoy it all.

With apologies to Ira Gershwin, it’s summertime and the living is easy-if you own a swimming pool. Suddenly your social calendar is full, so long as you’re hosting.