"Porch Haven I" acrylic painting, 20 x 16. $650
I have been there several times and always enjoy the organized wildness of the gardens that encourages natural growth of plants within a companion garden setting. Intermixed with the plants of all sizes are sculptures and seating areas fitted neatly along the small winding paths that allow you to wander "alone" or sit peacefully and observe the individual plants. I did several drawings then developed some further into paintings. I have submitted three paintings for the show. A key element of the garden is the porch and house. It is an older home and the white wood porch projects off one side. It is surrounded on two sides by greenery with a dark area created by the green house on the back. It gets modest sunlight through he translucent roof and provides a cool quiet place to sit and eat or visit with comfortable wicker chairs and a table. The other major feature is a a good sized pond with several Koi in the deep water and a rock waterfall. A few chairs provide a place to sit, contemporary sculptures blend with the plants and the sunlight sparkles off the water. Baldesarre is known for his knowledge of plants and shares plants starts and information with other enthusiast who come to visit and may bring samples of interesting plants to share. You can purchase plants from one of the green houses as he is always thinning and moving and changing bits of the garden.