In the rolling hills of northwestern Connecticut, a garden oasis has emerged that seamlessly blends the charm of classic English gardens with the rugged beauty of the New England landscape. This is the Hollister House Garden, a decades-long labor of love by its visionary creator, George Schoellkopf.
What started in 1979 as Schoellkopf's personal project to transform a modest 18th-century farmhouse into an English-inspired retreat has since blossomed into a renowned destination that draws thousands of visitors each year. The secret to its success? A masterful balance of formal and informal elements that create a sense of enchantment around every turn.
Marrying Tradition and Innovation
Schoellkopf, an avid gardener who drew inspiration from his travels to iconic English gardens like Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, set out to recreate that sense of romance and discovery at his own property. As he told A Way To Garden, "I brought the feel of an English garden to life at the place that became Hollister House."
What sets Hollister House apart is Schoellkopf's ability to seamlessly blend the formal and the informal. Rigid hedges, stone walls, and carefully curated paths give the garden a sense of structure, while the exuberant plantings - from vibrant perennials to cascading vines - lend an air of natural abundance. "He has contrasted the formal and informal, made room-like spaces to explore, and experimented with a wide-ranging palette of plants over the years," notes gardening expert Margaret Roach.
A Living, Evolving Canvas
But Hollister House is more than just a static display of horticultural prowess. Over the decades, Schoellkopf has continued to refine and develop the landscape, working closely with artist Gerald Incandela to redefine the surrounding areas and ensure a seamless integration with the 18th-century farmhouse at its heart.
This commitment to ongoing evolution is a key part of what makes Hollister House so special. As the garden's official website notes, "the garden since that time has evolved under George's direction into a unique synthesis of the formal and the natural, the right angles of paths, walls and hedges melting seamlessly into the lush surrounding landscape."
A Lesson in Adaptability
For gardeners and designers seeking inspiration, Hollister House offers a master class in adapting classic principles to a specific environment. Schoellkopf's ability to honor the history and character of the site while infusing it with his own creative vision is a testament to the power of thoughtful, contextual design.
As Ola Szczesna writes, "Great gardens are not simply the product of good gardeners, but are a synthesis of history and inspiration, design philosophies, plant expertise, and the passage of time that allows all the elements of the landscape to evolve into a singular entity." Hollister House embodies this philosophy, offering a timeless example of how to create a garden that is both rooted in tradition and alive with innovation.