New Vernon -- Deeks Garden

General
Deeks Garden is located in New Vernon, New Jersey. Established in 2000, the 10.7 acre property features a bluestone patio with planting pockets, rock garden, and woodlands. The owners hired landscape architect Sieglinde Anderson in 1999 to expand the design of the property that was initially laid out by Nelva M. Weber, a local architect in the 1970s.
Anderson began by developing a planting scheme for the large bluestone patio. Stones were removed to create planting pockets for low growing, unusual plant material. Three copper sculptural fountains provided a focal point to the gray and purple leaved perennials. Ground lighting was added to highlight the shapes and images of the plants. Small evergreens were planted above the brick walls to provide the patio its own space. Troughs with rock garden plants propagated by the owner were integrated in the design.
Beyond the patio is a grassy area, and woodlands. Rhododendrons, Itea, Hamamelis, and Viburnums are massed with daffodils and other bulbs. Many varieties of native ground covers and spring ephemerals add to the wooded element. Large ash trees and maples lend emphasis to the garden's stature and act as a bridge to the garden woodland.
Continuing along the east side of the property, the land slopes down to a wet area. This area proved to be suitable for an in-ground cold frame, a sand plunge bed to overwinter seedlings and a raised gravel bed to sink larger plants. The work area conveniently connects to a potting shed and composting area.
On the west side of the guest cottage, the property also sloped down to wetlands, making it an excellent location for a rock garden. Special soil pockets were created, including a scree and small pool and a waterfall which created sound and movement. The edges of this garden were planted with dwarf conifers and shrubs which provide structure throughout the year. Ground cover such as thyme provides fragrance. Ferns have nestled in crevices as have corydalis and alpine poppies. At the base of the rock garden is a swath of grass, then moisture loving plants like primroses, Carex, Northern sea oats, Amsonia and an Acer griseum.
The Colonial Revival Style house was built in 1944.
Persons associated with the gardens design include: Nelva M. Weber (landscape designer, 1970-1989), Naarden Landscapes (landscaper, 1989-1997), and Sieglinde Anderson (landscape architect, 2001).
Photographer
Shepperley, Katherine T.
Owner
Deeks, Peter
Deeks, Susan
Landscape designer
Weber, Nelva M.
Landscaper
Naarden Landscapes
Landscape architect
Anderson, Sieglinde
Provenance
Garden Club of Morristown
Collection Creator
Garden Club of America
Place
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- New Vernon
Deeks Garden (New Vernon, New Jersey)
Topic
Gardens -- New Jersey -- New Vernon
Rock gardens
Woodland gardens
Cold-frames
Fountains
Patios
Provenance
The Garden Club of Morristown faciliated this garden documentation in 2021.
Photographer
Shepperley, Katherine T.
Owner
Deeks, Peter
Deeks, Susan
Landscape designer
Weber, Nelva M.
Landscaper
Naarden Landscapes
Landscape architect
Anderson, Sieglinde
See more items in
The Garden Club of America collection
The Garden Club of America collection / Series 1: United States Gardens / New Jersey
Sponsor
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
Archival Repository
Archives of American Gardens
Identifier
AAG.GCA, File NJ398
Type
Archival materials
Digital images
Collection Citation
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Collection Rights
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Bibliography
This property is featured in Gardens Private and Personal: A Garden Club of America Book by Nancy D'Oench, published by Abrams, 2008; The Garden Reborn: Bringing New Life to Your Aging Landscape by Ruby Weinberg, published by Green Valley Press, 2004; How to Plan your own Home Landscape by Nelva Weber, published by MacMillan Publishing, 1979.
Genre/Form
Digital images
Scope and Contents
18 digital images (2019, 2021).
Collection Restrictions
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.