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2005 Tour of Town & Country Gardens

By , About.com Guide

5 of 7

Mike & Eileen Dalen - 387 Ripple Lane - Hampton Cove

The first outstanding feature of this chalet style home is how well it sits nestled in the landscape at the base of the cove. The Dalen's have built wonderful decks to take full advantage of the fabulous views of the valley and the merry music of songbirds. There is much to see and appreciate and one very interesting hidden feature...Mike has designed a reconstructed wetland that filters and purifies household waste while providing a habitat for wetland flowers such as Siberian Iris, horsetails and ginger lilies. As far as we know, this is the only such reconstructed wetland in our area.

Extensive use of native plants such as sweet shrub, rhododendron, magnolia and azaleas really enrich the very natural feel of this land. Japanese gardens have inspired Eileen to plant several fine Japanese Maples which add texture and color and be sure to note how she has used juniper to form waves falling away from the front porch.

A large contorted filbert adds year-round interest while softening the front corner of the home. And of course, how could you fail to see the three llamas that are a part of the Dalen household?

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