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| 2024-07-22 096A Harry & Carter Brigham; Garden Day, Islesboro ME |
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Gwendolyn Tatreaux, gardener and land steward. Fire Island, 922 Billy Shore Drive . The landscape on the point called Fire Island is a collaboration between owners Harry and Carter Brigham, island artists, contractors, and the stunning place itself with all its natural inhabitants. Each initiative relates to the stewardship of the property, with an emphasis on recognizing both an enchantment with nature and the impact of climate change. Gardens are completely non-toxic and organic, focusing on pollinators and birds, native species, and forest integration. The ledge garden was originally designed by Sue Hatch, with ground work done by Silas Babbidge of Stone's Throw. In 2021, Gwen Tatreaux of Island Flowers began modifying the garden, first by building and installing the driftwood gates. The garden site - with its areas of high and dry ledge, acidic/forest shade, salt and wind exposure, and run off/bog like conditions at its base - is a perpetual challenge that requires design and floral experimentation. 2022 saw the vision "moving up the hill," through the lower driftwood gate onto a woodland path to the house, which was built in 2012. Avery Tatro of Capstone Creations designed and constructed the bluestone patio and walkway leading from the parking lot. Shortly thereafter the area was planted with three pollinator shrub beds. The deck has enticing, brightly colored potted plants for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike. In 2023, Avery completed the south-facing retaining wall. Beginning in 2024, we began a 'climate-forward' tree planting program designed to increase the number of trees on Fire Island and to protect those that are already there. Using guidelines provided by the Project Canopy Community Forestry program at the Belfast Arboretum, we plan to plant 20 saplings each year and to document their resilience to the effects of climate change. At the same time, existing spruce and fir trees, which provide wind blocks and supportive year-round habitat for wildlife, have been 'crown-reduced,' (and sometimes cabled). Smaller trees have also been topped in order to develop their earth-gripping root systems, thereby increasing their erosion control abilities. This protective tree work was recommended and performed by Treekeepers LLC/Doug Johnson of Camden, and has been extremely successful. Blowdowns that do occur are not burned in place or removed from the point. Rather, they are cut into log sections and stacked to decay and feed the woods, while branches are chipped and used as path mulch. Along with the individuals mentioned above, we are very grateful to the owners of the Russell Cottage, with whom we share the point, for use of their well to water the ledge garden and overall support. We recommend the catalogue put out by Pinetree Garden Seeds, based in New Gloucester, Maine (Superseeds.com), and Barley Joe Farm Greenhouses on Rte. 90 in Warren. Gwendolyn Tatreaux Harry Brigham/Carter Brigham |