A garden worthy of visiting twice in a summer, Sakonnet is testimony to the design truth that garden rooms increase the illusion of a property’s space. On not quite one acre of land, a visitor is treated to innumerable rooms that flow one into the other, creating a memorable experience…and many lessons in stretching your imagination. Very much the impression, I like to ponder, of falling down Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole. You find yourself amused, intrigued, awed, inspired, and emboldened all at the same time. We have John Gwynne and Mikel Folcarelli, of Little Compton, RI to thank for this adventure!

Starting with the entrance of an allee of limbed up, cathedral-like cryptomeria.

To the total contrast that is the understated exit.

Not only does a stroll require a lot of twists and turns, giving the perceptions of a much larger garden, but there are a number of curved and undulating design elements that add an organic sense to the spaces, from ivy-covered chicken wire to stacked log walls that wind through and around the garden.

Even a tree contributes its wonky note.

The yellow garden room, the most formal, in a very informal garden, (don’t miss the ball of honeysuckle at the entrance on the right) is surrounded by a broken circle of clipped evergreen walls.

And within these rooms…with names like the Rhododendron Punch Bowl…a plantsman’s agenda is played out; in their gray, foggy climate, for instance, the Yellow Garden allows John and Mikel “to pretend the sun is always shining.”

John and Mikel are not snobs; the most mundane “found materials” are repurposed and used as garden accents.

A tall curved stone wall is the other obvious contained circular space at Sakonnet Garden, accessed through an arch of copper beech branches. Truly a stand-alone creation composed during some down time between international travels (one would never guess that a main road runs just outside this wall).

Who would think of letting kale go to seed to achieve these wonderful yellow flowers?

Or the intriguing Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty,’ a sexy take on the old-fashioned May apple. This sighting prompted a promise I made to myself to stop cogitating about and order this spring cultivar (despite the price)!

If only for the flowers hiding under the fab leaves.

Of course, there’s ‘The Balinese Temple’ right around the corner (which picks up the color of the flower).

Which reminds me that architectural necessities outside the gardens provide another angle on these gardening guru’s talents…their home, and the singular gate that looks out upon their meadow.

I’ll close with this long, funky, antique garden bench (which is much larger than it looks!) from their (often) trips to France, backed against an evergreen hedge of yew.

European ginger and arum lily leaf are allowed to “volunteer” under the seat…reminding us that Sakonnet Garden is a singular paradise where one is inspired to make discoveries and rekindle a zest for gardening.

John and Mikel are still taking reservations to tour their garden (but not for long!), so be sure not to miss this rare opportunity. Their website has all the details. Enjoy!