Sharing the Grounds: Why We Coexist with Geese (and Clean Up After Them)

Short winter days can sure feel long without a bright sun and a flash of color to boost your mood. But don’t worry—our landscaping team has been hard at work planning something special! Before the first snowflake fell, we were brainstorming ways to give the Inspiration Garden a much-needed makeover.

For a few years now, this quiet haven has been tucked away, hidden behind tall, bushy ornamental grasses. It’s been a little forgotten—but not for much longer. It’s time to wake this sleepy garden up!

The Plan for a New Look

I started researching annual cut flowers to fill the center bed. Their tall stems will make them perfect for arrangements that could brighten the reception desk or add charm to the restaurant tables. Cut flowers, as you might know, are chosen for their long, strong stems, making them ideal for vases. On the other hand, loose flowers—shorter blooms without stems—work better for garlands or other creative uses.

We decided annual flowers would be the best fit for this garden because of their season-long color. Perennials bloom for a shorter time, and with such a small space, a constant pop of color is just what it needs. Plus, the idea of changing colors and textures every year is exciting!

Overcoming Challenges

In my research, I found the area itself a bit tricky. While it gets plenty of full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight), the soil tends to stay very saturated, especially after heavy rain. That’s one reason grasses were originally planted here—they can handle the dampness. I wasn’t surprised, though. Many of the gardens along the lakeshore, like the Tribute Garden, Butterfly Garden, and my manager Kevin’s Wetland Garden, have that same rich, damp soil throughout the summer.

At first, I was a little apprehensive about finding annuals that like “wet feet,” but I love a good challenge. By adapting our plants to wetter conditions in the greenhouse, they’ll be ready for transplanting when the time comes.

Growing Together

With the help of my team, we’re growing these flowers from seed in the greenhouse. Thanks to my experience propagating plants at Four Star Greenhouse (home to Proven Winner products) and a stint managing tropical and annual plants at a large estate, I feel confident we can make this garden bloom.

For the makeover, I’ve chosen flowers in beautiful shades of blue, fuchsia, and pink with a touch of white to break things up. I’ve also added some unique pods like the Albion Black Pod and an eye-catching Scabiosa to keep things interesting.

Watch This Space

I’m thrilled about this project and can’t wait to see the Inspiration Garden transform into a colorful, vibrant space. I’ll keep the community updated on the progress here on the blog, but if you miss an update, keep an eye out this May for all the new blooms.

Bio: Monica Sabella
Rosarian and horticulturist Monica Sabella has managed Ford House’s treasured rose gardens since 2022. With eight years of experience in commercial, private, and municipal horticulture, Monica also designs and installs Ford House’s seasonal gardens and planters. She loves using her artistic skills to create custom signs and floral arrangements for Ford House events.

This winter, we’ll focus on a significant tree care project as we remove several trees impacted by Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm is a fungal disease spread by beetles that has devastated elm populations across North America. Infected trees can quickly die off, posing risks to other trees and overall landscape health. With our own elms succumbing to this disease, we have decided to remove the affected trees to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of our grounds.

Timing is important in this process. To minimize soil compaction and disruption to the landscape, we’ll wait until the ground is frozen to begin tree removal. This thoughtful timing helps us protect the surrounding vegetation and maintain the integrity of the grounds. Frozen ground allows us to safely bring in the necessary equipment without causing undue stress on the landscape—a priority for our dedicated Landscape team.

The work doesn’t end with the removal of these trees. In alignment with our commitment to preservation and historical accuracy, we’re taking this opportunity to restore the landscape carefully. For each tree removed, we’ll be planting a new tree in its place, selected specifically to reflect the types of trees that would have originally been on the property. This restoration includes species such as American elms and other varieties historically found at Ford House. We’re not simply planting new trees—we’re restoring the natural beauty that the Fords originally enjoyed, recreating an authentic look and feel for future generations.

This project reflects Ford House’s broader mission of preserving our historic buildings and gardens and the landscape itself. These trees are part of Ford House’s legacy and, like all elements of our historic site, require thoughtful care. By taking proactive measures, we ensure that our landscape remains vibrant, safe, and historically accurate.

We understand that tree removal can be concerning, and we want to be fully transparent with our community. Our goal is to create as little disruption as possible while protecting the health and beauty of our grounds. This work is necessary, but it’s also a vital opportunity to bring renewed life to the estate’s landscape by planting young trees that will flourish for years to come.

When you visit Ford House this winter or in the coming spring, you may notice the new plantings beginning to take root. Over time, these trees will grow to create a lush, thriving canopy that respects the estate’s history while contributing to its future. We appreciate your understanding and support in this important work, as together, we continue to honor the beauty and legacy of Ford House.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every step we take helps to preserve Ford House’s story and its connection to the natural world, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come.