Jane Green’s Secret Garden Tour

NY Times best selling author Jane Green does not do boredom well. When not writing a book - she just released her 21st novel, Sister Stardust, in April - she might be raising chickens, stenciling a floor, drawing, or working in her garden. Jane’s green thumb is no joke. As she says, “you can take the girl out of England but you can’t take England out of the girl.” Gardening is in her DNA.

Designport got a sneak “Saturday Snoop” outside the Mouse House, the 1200 square foot beach adjacent Connecticut cape where she and her beloved husband are “camped out” for now. Hear her top tips and watch how she transformed this little grassy patch into a secret garden oasis she describes as “Coastal Grandma meets Morocco.”

The Moroccan elements were influenced by her two years spent researching and writing Sister Stardust. It is the wild story of icon Talitha Getty and the Rolling Stones in the 60s, much of it set inside a palace in Marrakesh designed by interior designer-to-the-stars Bill Willis. The palace is dazzling with Moroccan Zellige tile, lush gardens and an infamous fountain. Pick up a copy for your summer reading if you haven’t already!

Here’s a closer look at the transformation of the property from plain cape to picture-perfect beachside cottage and garden oasis. A trifecta of French doors opened up the facade. And a wide gravel path lined with whimsical garden beds completed the look. Added bonus - less grass to maintain which is a win for Jane and the Earth.

The space looks even more magical at night.

And here is the house rendered with added dormers to the roof - maybe that’s phase 3? We will have to wait and see!

If you want more Jane Green, here’s our interview with her where she dishes gardening tips, juicy tidbits from the book, and the story behind her new tattoo!

Still want more Jane? Here's our first visit with Jane at her previous home, "The Creaky Cottage," known for it's magazine-published kitchen, divinely DIY'd by Jane