THE ERNST GARDEN FOR WILDLIFE

The garden at Manomet was originally installed over 100 years ago. It was a lush, colorful oasis planted at the sea-side edge of windswept farm land on the summer estate of Dr. Harold C. Ernst, a noted Harvard Professor of Bacteriology, and his wife, Ellen Frothingham Ernst. For more than 50 years, the garden was tended by Ellen and her gardener, Otto Andersen, but after both passed away it gradually surrendered to neglect. In 1984, plans were made to rescue the "old garden" from encroaching, invasive vegetation and restore some of its original charm while creating a native, sustainable "garden for wildlife" that would allow its own natural beauty to thrive.

Bordered by the bluffs of Manomet, the garden of today is nestled into 40 surrounding acres of diverse habitat - woodlands, vernal pools, ponds, cranberry bogs and open fields. The garden is three tiers with the lower beds tucked inside a necklace of stone walls and flourishing with native perennials such as Monarda, Coreopsis, and Echinacea. A grand Hinoki Cypress majestically stands sentinel at the perimeter. The focal point of the garden is a charming century-old tea house designed after one seen by the Ernsts on a trip to Japan. Built of cedar, it features leaded glass windows, a curving cedar shingled roof (once made of thatch) and double doors that swing open to offer cool respite on a hot summer day.

Stone steps, framed by ferns, lead to the second tier of the garden. Here, stands of native shrubs provide a mass of white flowers in spring and clusters of red berries in the fall. The third tier is a shady picnic area where Norway Maples and Chinese Elms, with their massive trunks, gnarled branches and knuckled feet, preside over saplings boldly reaching for the light. Stone paths meander through the garden and lead to the open, sun-drenched platform of the bluff, presenting a sweeping view of the sea below.

The theme of the garden is "Gardening for Wildlife." Perennials, shrubs and trees native to New England are planted (although there are still non-natives from the original garden) and organic products are used. Manomet's mission is to demonstrate to the local community the appeal of a native garden for wildlife and to advocate eco-friendly gardening practices. With the increasing loss of native habitat to residential and commercial development, business and home owners are encouraged to plant native flora that best supports the wildlife in their area. To schedule individual or group tours of the Ernst Garden for Wildlife, please call Garden Coordinator, Kim Goggin at 508-224-6521.