10 Favorite Gardens: Through a Landscape Photographer’s Lens

While I never think of myself as a horticulturist and would never pretend to be, I think it is nonetheless fair to say that my 18 year career as a landscape and garden photographer has made me somewhat of an expert. Over the years, I have had the great good fortune to photograph hundreds of gardens, with many truly sublime and spectacular places among them. And while it’s always hard to pick favorites—since each has its own unique and special characteristics, Designport has kindly invited me to share 10 of my all-time faves here – simply as eye candy or perhaps to inspire your own garden design and planning and even to suggest some talented professionals who can help you make that dream a reality!  And…there are some amazing gardens I’ve just shot this summer that I can’t wait to share—likely next spring when they are slated for publication in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens and Litchfield Magazine, among others. So…away we go!

1. Beanacre Farm, Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, CT

This absolutely stunning garden was one that initially got me hooked on photographing gardens—and I’ve been lucky to be invited back many times over the years to capture its constant and compelling evolution. Gentleman gardener Gerard Pampalone has presided over and lovingly tended these mesmerizingly beautiful gardens for over 26+ years and recently enlisted the help of the talented Paul Winsor to bring the newest garden addition to life. Inspired by some of the greatest gardens in Europe and highlighted by perfectly placed structure throughout this charming luxury rental property, it’s impossible not to swoon at every turn.

Landscape Design: www.beanacrefarm.com with Paul Winsor

2. Wadia Garden, New Canaan, CT

Though it’s been quite some time since I photographed architect Dinyar Wadia’s exquisite gardens, called Gitanjali, in New Canaan, they still hold up as a favorite. And of course, one of the loveliest things about photographing gardens (in contrast to interiors) is that it doesn’t matter at all if styles have changed. Nature is enduring There’s something magical and otherworldly at Gitanjali, as you walk throughout the property—feeling as if you’ve been transported to not just another place, but also maybe even another time. The romance of the tea house beckons, the sound of a brook creates a soundtrack of calm, the birds congregating in their little wooden mansion delights. Wadia weaves colors and shapes together so effortlessly—it’s a feast for the senses.

Landscape Design: www.wadiaassociates.com / @wadiaassociates

These next two gardens are the perfect illustration that bigger isn’t always better. They’re an impactful reminder that you can create something truly gorgeous even in a small space.

3. Yolac & Lloyd, Southport, CT

Though the always amazing John Lloyd and Selim Yolac (Yolac & Lloyd) have since relocated to Palms Springs, CA where they make every desert garden into an oasis, their own former garden in Southport CT always tops my list. Though the property was intimate, they designed just amazing individual garden rooms, throughout—each one offering something different and unique. Special focal features and complementary plantings and color combinations worked together to create both off the charts charm and the height of garden chic.

Landscape Design by: www.yolaclloydgarden.com

4.  Jennifer Downing’s Gardens, Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, CT

This is one of several gardens I’ve been able to document for the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC which means I’ve been able to photograph it in all 4 seasons—truly a privilege to be able to witness and capture a garden in this important way. The pocket garden is beyond beautiful in every season—as Jennifer packs just the right amount of structure, color and form into every bed in this rectangular enclosed space. When the alliums are in bloom, however, it’s nothing short of showstopping to behold (not to mention that it’s an Instagram darling, too).

5. Susan Cohen’s Waterfront in Westport

Master designer and landscape architect Susan Cohen has a gift for really understanding a property and creating gardens that elevate it even more. As I’ve photographed many of her projects over the years, and seen that deft skill up close, this waterfront property in Westport was especially captivating. Each of the two structures on the property really had a different personality and yet, she was able to fashion a landscape plan that brought out the best in each while allowing them to co-exist wonderfully.

Landscape Design by: www.susancohenlandscapearchitect.com / @susancohenlandscapes

6. Heather O’Neill’s Second Nature

Heather O’Neill’s work can be formal and also decidedly not—depending on the canvas on which she is working. This particular garden, set seaside among rock ledges and stone outcroppings was an unusual challenge. Nevertheless, Heather essentially painted with color and light in her choice of plant and flower material: perfectly executed and even whimsical. Along with specimen trees, she added layers upon layers which work ideally in the setting. The overall effect is bound to make you smile.

Landscape Design by: Heather O’Neill www.secondnaturelandscapedesign.com / @secondnature4

7. Wilber & King, Darien

We are so lucky in Fairfield County to have lots of waterfront and I am always enchanted to see the creativity that is brought to new projects.  While I shot a garden or two for Wilber & King at the start of my career, this more recent one was a surprising departure. Owing to the use of unusual structural elements as well as playful placement of plantings, this garden has a real wow factor and also successfully integrates the homeowners’ collection of outdoor sculpture into the landscape.

Landscape Design by: www.wilberandking.com / @wilberandking

8. Southhampton  Revealed

When I arrive to photograph a garden, typically in the dark just before dawn, there is no telling exactly what I might find as the sun comes up.  It’s unusual that I’ve seen any scouting shots first and to be honest, I really prefer that. With only a few exceptions over the years, there’s nothing quite so exciting as a big reveal. And this Southhampton garden had me smiling ear to ear as it slowly unfolded before me. A magnificent garden in every way. Well maintained. Thoughtfully planned. Carefully curated.  With an ample dose of the unexpected—in this case, finding a mirror embedded in the plantings at one end was just sheer genius.

9. The Ceriale’s Garden, Westport

This rather well-known Westport garden belonging to Melissa and John Ceriale is a constant work in progress and that is part of what makes it so exceptional.  It’s also a work of art. The Ceriale’s collaborated with Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner to bring it to life. Though I have only photographed it twice, and many of these elements have surely morphed by now—into something even more astonishing—it deserves to be included in any round up. What sets it apart is next level creativity, surprising use of materials and a rarely seen enthusiasm and commitment to stewarding the land. 

Landscape Design by: Cindy Shumate www.cynscapedesign.com  in collaboration with Judy Gardner @gardeners_touch

10. My Own Garden

Before my second book was ready to be published and I knew a book tour would likely follow, it felt like the right time to make a “real” garden at my own home. Using images from all of my work, I put together an inspiration board – highlighting elements I loved and/or felt could be included and set out to find the right partner to amplify and execute that vision. Sean Jancksi did a simply excellent job hearing what it was I wanted to accomplish and suggesting the best ways to make it happen. I was determined to integrate a few pieces of outdoor sculpture as well as a water feature as focal points of the gardens and he designed incredibly lovely context for those elements to really stand out.  In addition to working on hardscape and pool areas, Sean helped to create a restful, reflective and inspiring landscape that has given me great joy, always.

Landscape Design by: www.sjlandscapearchitects.com / @sjlandscapearchitects

Crystal Sphere Sculpture by: Allison Armour @allisonarmourart

Metal Disc Sculpture by: David Harber @davidharberstructures

About the Author:

Stacy Bass is a celebrated editorial landscape and architectural photographer who has been creating beautiful compositions for almost two decades. Her photography has been featured extensively in books and magazines including at home, Garden Design, Luxe Interiors + Design, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Veranda, AD, Horticulture, Living Etc., British Homes & Gardens, The Wall Street Journal and many more. She is the author of two bestselling and critically acclaimed monographs/books celebrating the American landscape: In the Garden (Melcher Media/Perseus Books, 2012) and Gardens at First Light (Moffly Media, 2015).  To view more of Stacy’s work follow her Instagrams @stacybassphoto and @gardensatfirstlight and visit her website: www.stacybassphotography.com. Stacy’s fine art photography is available directly and through Swoon gallery in Westport, CT.

All Photo Credits: Stacy Bass