Laura Trowbridge, a professional garden and landscape designer with over 20 years of experience, has created a stunning oasis on the western edge of Peterborough. As soon as you arrive at her home, the first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant and diverse array of plants and flowers in her gardens. Trowbridge’s love for color and big plants is evident as she leads visitors on a tour of her meticulously designed gardens.
One of the unique aspects of Trowbridge’s gardens is her love for unusual plants and the art of mixing annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Each square foot of her garden is carefully curated to include a mix of common annuals like zinnias, exotic plants such as a prized banana tree, and unusual specimens like castor beans. The deliberate wild and out-of-control look of her gardens is actually a carefully controlled illusion that adds to the charm and beauty of the space.
Trowbridge’s design philosophy extends beyond her gardens and into the architecture of her home. The gardens are designed to reflect the different sections of the house, with wilder gardens in the back balancing the contemporary glass-filled addition, and more traditional gardens in the front complementing the original 1765 Cape house. Over the years, Trowbridge’s gardens have been featured in regional and national publications, showcasing her talent and expertise in garden design.
The history of Trowbridge’s home adds another layer of charm to her gardens. Built in 1765, the house is one of the oldest in Peterborough, with the original inhabitants farming most of the land in the vicinity. The road to Peterborough Village used to run right past the side of the house, as evidenced by the big old maple trees that line the property. Trowbridge’s gardens pay homage to the history of the house while adding a modern and colorful touch to the landscape.
In addition to her outdoor gardens, Trowbridge also has a collection of houseplants on the back patio of her home. Many of these plants are tropical and look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Trowbridge’s dedication to her plants is evident as she goes to great lengths to overwinter them, either by digging out the roots and storing them in the basement or bringing them inside as houseplants. The love and care she puts into her plants are a testament to her passion for gardening and design.
Trowbridge’s home is not just a showcase for her gardens but also a gathering place for family and friends. The entire family gets involved in the gardening process, from spreading mulch and compost in the spring to creating art that adorns the walls of the house. Trowbridge’s love for gardening, family, and home is deeply rooted in her upbringing, where her mother instilled a love of gardening, farming, and preserving food.
As you walk through Trowbridge’s gardens and home, it’s clear that every aspect of the space is a reflection of her passion for design, nature, and family. The cozy and inviting atmosphere she has created is a testament to her talent as a designer and her love for creating beautiful and meaningful spaces. To learn more about Laura Trowbridge and her work, visit lauratrowbridge.com.