Stowell Organic Gardens

Stowell Yards 1970s

Kip and Nena Stowell bought the house from Francis Kaplon (c1973). Walton Stowell Jr. was born (1976). Major yard changes were the loss of the front large Elm tree. Kaplon Hydrangea bush was increased as porch hedges by Stowells, and the original bush by the Elm was maintained (despite constant poison ivy weeding). The Kaplon tradition of backyard roses was kept also. Kip and Nena loved flowers, so they expanded flowers and vegetables gardens in the back courtyard, with their neighbor Tom Rissler who was a retired farmer.

Stowell Yards 1980s

Kip and Nena Stowell demolished the Kaplon garage to build the log Montessori school-house. The court-yard level was raised about a foot higher with rolled sod, to level the entire backyard. The 'Four-Square' garden was started by making wood framed beds and a brick path. While the whole family was involved with planting and watering, Nena did most of the maintenance weeding. Nena and Walton made a scarecrow. Kip added an 'Asian Rock' garden in a corner of the court-yard, which all three helped make and maintain. Walton and Kip built 'The Castle' aka a small wooden fort for play, using an old bay window, studs, and plywood cut-outs. The Castle had 2 ladders with hatches to the crenulation battlement above. Montessori recess allowed kids to play in the yard and use the tire swing on a walnut tree.

Stowell Yards 1990s

Kip and Nena Stowell improved the 'Four Square' and 'Front Bank' gardens. Walton did most of the hedge trimming with traditional clippers.

Stowell Yards 2000s

Walton and Kip further expanded vegetable and perennial gardens and composting with their neighbor Tony, a craftsman and retired sports coach. Walton and Kip started the 'Circle' garden. Walton made a scarecrow. When Kip died in 2009, his ashes were spread in the yard, at his grave marker in Harper Cemetery, and in the ferns at Lake Sunapee with his parents.

Stowell Yards 2010-2016

Nena and Walton made a small memorial garden of Kip, where the 'Temple Columns' were, and buried his ice-skates there. Nena and Walton added the Eagle statue and more birdbaths. Nena sold the house.

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[ more images to come ]