Matthew and Ellen purchased this half-acre property in August 2006. Though the existing landscaping around the house had become outdated and unkempt, and the surrounding woods were full of invasive species that were overtaking most of the property, Matt saw the potential to create a garden. Three growing seasons later, Matthew and Ellen have conquered most of the invasives, have created numerous planting beds set amongst large oaks, hickories, and boulders, and have transformed the yard into a hosta and conifer oasis in the woods. There will be both older and newer, small and large hosta varieties on display, plus many unnamed seedlings, since Matt has been bitten by the hybridizer bug. A passion that was begun at his mother’s house in Woodbury (which we visited last year) has moved to Watertown!
From the West and South: Take I-84 East toward Waterbury. Take Exit 15 (US-6/CT-67) toward Southbury. Turn Left at bottom of ramp onto Main Street N/US-6/CT 67. Continue to follow US-6 for approximately 11.1 miles. Turn Left onto Platt Road. Turn Right onto Stoneleigh Road and the white house with black shutters will be on your right.
From the East and North: Take I-84 West toward Waterbury. Merge onto CT-8 N via exit 20 toward Torrington. Take Exit 37 toward Route 262-Watertown. Turn Left at bottom of ramp, proceed up steep hill at signal light continue straight onto Echo Lake Road. At stop sign continue straight to stay on Echo Lake Road. At next stop light turn Right onto Main Street US-6. Turn Left onto Town Hall Road or Deforest Street US-6 and head west passing Taft School. Turn Right onto Platt Road. Turn Right onto Stoneleigh Road and the white house with black shutters will be on your right.
Go west on Stoneleigh Road. Turn Left onto Platt Road. Turn Right onto US-6, continue to follow US-6 for approximately 6.4 miles. Turn Right onto Sycamore Avenue (CT-317). Turn slight Right to stay on Sycamore Avenue (CT-317) for 1.7 miles. Turn Right onto MacKay Farm Road and the house and garden are on the right with hemlock hedge and white panel fence.