The fish in the pond enjoy the aquatic plants and fresh water that is kept clean by natural filtration processes the stream provides. Winter debris is easily cleared by culling plants and leaves.
This small eclipse located around Boninti’s patio features peppermint stick tulips, summer snowflake (Leucojum eastivum), and alliums (for later blooms). The Steps to Know Where were built with found materials and is surrounded by white blooming snow azaleas (Rhododendron ‘Snow’), which offers a nice contrast to the darker foliage and shade of the trees. The blue native phlox (Phlox divaricata) and the large red oak tree offer contrasting textures and colors that enhance the ambience of this space even more. The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum, “Orange Dream”) provides a burst of unexpected, glorious color at the top of the steps and compliments all the flora and fauna nearby.
WOODLAND GROVE TODAY When asked about the amount of time she spends gardening, Boninti says, “You gotta love it. I can be outside for 12 hours on a Saturday or Sunday. Andrew spends a little less time, but not by much.” As long as the sun is shining, they are outside tending to their garden, although they do take a break in the heat of the summer. “I find the more time you garden, the more your body demands to be outside. The sounds, smells, sights, and birds awe you,” described Boninti. “We stop to call to each other, just to admire the light through the trees. Noth-
ing, outside of our daughters, is that special. We hope we continue as long as our bodies and minds hold out,” Boninti said. Her favorite spot in the garden will always be the Steps to Know Where, as it is teeming with native plants. “We made the soil so beautiful and plants thrive and reproduce there. “However, over time I have added some non-natives such as boxwood and flowering trees, many from Asia. The colors of the Japanese maples are so beautiful I couldn’t resist. Non-natives have to somehow tug at our heartstrings to be considered. And they also cannot
be invasive, as we are still removing invasive plant material after 36 years.” Her vision of the outdoor space is ever-evolving. Their woodland garden, reclaimed from fallow fields, has been transformed into a beautiful landscape full of surprises at every turn, with aesthetics and the needs of wildlife balanced. “We garden for us and the wildlife,” said Boninti. She firmly believes in the popular ideology, “Plant for future generations.” People, wildlife, and plants will continue to enjoy and thrive in the majestic woodland groves the Bonintis have created.
TOURS Each year, from the beginning of April through the end of May, the Bonintis open their grounds for
tours. Individuals from as far away as Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware have reaped the rewards of the Boninti’s hard work. Local elementary school students also benefit from visiting the gardens; they come twice a year toand learn about science, play, and enjoy their lunch on the property. Other tours have included the Piedmont Landscape Association, University of Virginia, and the Bonintis are looking forward to this spring when they will welcome a group of 80 visitors.
36 PIEDMONTVIRGINIAN.COM |
| MARCH/APRIL 2017