When Marney and Delcie Bean moved to their New Hampshire farm in 1979, they imagined their four daughters growing up surrounded by horses, chickens, and a bevy of other animals. That was before Marney went hog wild, horticulturally speaking. Today, the rolling 1816 farmstead is home to 3 1/2 acres of landscaped gardens, including vibrant perennial borders and herb and vegetable gardens all interspersed with berry bushes and fruit trees.

Marney, a self-taught gardener, has always loved being outside. "Leaves and stonework have always interested me. I like to mix foliage together, different textures and sizes." While she never had a master plan for the gardens, Marney knew in her mind what she wanted. "I wanted vegetables and herbs, for sure," she says. The area between the house and the barn has a southern exposure and was the perfect spot for the herb garden. "It really heats up out there, plus it's close to the kitchen," says Marney.

Though Marney's initial plan was to raise her family on a sprawling farmstead, now her family gathers against a backdrop of hostas rather than horses. And that's just fine with her.

Published: June 2007