THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM, located in West Tisbury, Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard.
If something were to suddenly happen to me, if my life had to radically change, I would hope that change might carry me away from any chaos that can create fear. I hope I’d be able to secure a soft spot in some downy grass, lay my body down in a last square of sunlight. I’d desire the ability to smell the air, the grass, listen to the whispers of the trees and maybe birds — oh yes, it would be wonderful if there were birds. I would lie there, watching the sun move away from me, though trying to hold it back, knowing it has to speed along the grass and up the trees, until I must crane my neck to see the last of it in the sky. Even better, it might take me along, let me keep breathing before it is covered with clouds.
I’m not eager for these images anytime soon, but there are places and experiences when you feel like you are walking into a different world. The Polly Hill Arboretum is such a place, and I am grateful to my son-in-law Ben Clock and daughter Caroline for taking me and my husband John there last month.
An arboretum is created when scientists and plant lovers gather a collection of trees and shrubs to preserve and permanently cultivate various species. The photos you see above represent the work of Polly Hill, who in 1958 began sowing seed over 20 acres on Martha’s Vineyard, while also preserving 40 acres of woodland. The arboretum established in 1997, is not for profit, and is devoted to the cultivation and study of plants that flourish in this island climate. Nothing like it had been considered, until Polly decided to broaden the range of plants that could be successfully cultivated there. She was eager to preserve the areas thriving vegetation, and later to share with the public what she had learned and created. Delighted with the results, Polly Hill kept adding trees, flowers, vines and hard space to create this beautiful, magical place with a visitors center, walking paths and signage to increase your knowledge while you are there.
THE DOGWOOD ALLEE
When I first posted the photo that is in the upper right corner, called an allee, a walkway created under two parallel rows of trees shading the middle space…many of you responded to this magical creation. Now above the title of my piece is another photo, this being the one Ben is sure is the Dogwood Allee at Polly Hill. He is not sure about the other photo, which I found online. Even so, in my dreams I want to walk that space over and over, sunlight filtering through the beaches, my walk cushioned by the those green tiles.
THANKS FOR READING. A few of you have written that you have also visited this magical place. I am sure Polly Hill would be joyful.
13 Responses
Beautiful and serene. I grew up in Massachusetts, so I’ve been to the Vineyard many times over the years, but I’m sure much has changed (including this arboretum. Mostly now, when I go home, I stick to the Cape. I guess it’s time to jump on the ferry and go back to the islands.
Ah, Karen, I did not know this about you, and I am jealous. We were introduced to the Vineyard, because our oldest daughter married a man whose family has a cottage there. Carrie and Ben were married on the Vineyard, in a “camp” right on waters from the ocean. It was magical. Thanks for reading and writing, Beth Havey
My Baton Rouge house backs up to the LSU arboretum. I love having an arboretum as my backyard.
That is so cool. My Chicago house backs up to an alley LOL. In California, a lovely stream ran behind us. I miss that.
Thank God for the beauty makers in this world. We see so much destruction, it’s lovely to come to places that promote love and gentleness. If I’m ever in Martha’s Vineyard, I’ll want to visit this lovely site.
Thanks for reading, Laurie. When you are walking in the woods, you are among many beauty markers. Beth
Yes, that dogwood allee is stunning! I have seen photos online of structures such as this. I wonder if any of them were taken in Martha’s Vineyard at this location–Polly Hill. Thank you for bringing the beauty of nature to my computer.
YOU ARE SO WELCOME!!
Finding the POLLY HILL ARBORETUM must be like finding peace and quiet in the middle of a traffic jam….. :). Nature has a way of showing us how we all fit in, if only we would take the time to find out how. Writings like these are certainly a good way to get started!!!!!!
Discovering this beautiful arboretum, is like finding peace of mind in our daily hectic schedules. But such calming moments can simply be recaptured by visiting the arboretum again and again……..Great call Caroline and Ben!!!!!!!
Yes, and you would love being with Ben and his enthusiasm …it never stops.
I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard. With my interest in gardening, I’m a bit surprised I never heard of Polly Hill This is absolutely amazing.
If you can, give yourself a treat and visit. Or just find an arboretum near you! Thanks for reading.