Goji berries, rustic outdoor furniture, antique carts, solar panels, country charm and ingenuity; all this and more at Cherry Lane Farm, which was opened to visitors as part of the McHenry County Farm Stroll.
Trudi Temple is a well-recognized gardener, entrepreneur, author and speaker, especially in the Chicagoland area. I have had the pleasure of touring her private garden in the western suburbs, reading her inspiring book, “Trudi’s Garden; The Story of Trudi Temple”, and, like many of you, I have ordered from Market Day@, which Trudi established.
Cherry Lane Farm was our first stop on the Farm Stroll, and we were one of the first visitors. We parked the car and followed a path that meandered through a woodland garden, which was cloistered inside a handmade waddle fence. Bird houses dangled from stately trees and perched upon tree trunks.
Age-old benches and found objects, heirloom plants and new introductions abound on Trudi’s farm; a living testament to what hard work, creativity and sustainability can yield.
We wandered the paths, some under the multitude trees rooted on the property, others leading to the vegetable garden, or the wide pasture where a wind turbine was generating energy. We sat in a magnificent gazebo – surely a haven for family and friends. With all the nature and creativity that surrounded us, what impressed me the most was the evidence of the far-reaching visions of Trudi Temple. She is a remarkable woman whose respect for nature continues to grow and instructs all who find their way to Cherry Lane Farm.
A barn houses plant materials that Trudi uses in arrangements, as well as a shop for antiques, books, dried floral arrangements and other delights. An outbuilding is creatively sided with reclaimed windows of different sizes and shapes. Inside sit long tables, for workshops, I assume, and a patchwork of quilts adorn the walls.
It was such a pleasant day.
We bumped into three members of my garden club, all in groups of their own and all pointing or asking if we had seen this or that, enthusiastically sharing what they had discovered. Even strangers were friends for the moments in time at Cherry Lane Farm. It isn’t often that a piece of land and a crop of buildings is so lovingly developed that it creates such a wholesome sense of place.
Oh my! I would absolutely love to visit Cherry Hill Farm one day, Penny! I admire Trudy Temple so much. Years ago, I was blessed to be part of a private tour of her west suburban gardens. I will always remember her garden rooms, her garden ‘beds,’ and her special way of composting throughout her gardens. Her wonderful book shares her remarkable life. Our relatives live in the area near Cherry Hill Farm. I’m so grateful that you shared this beautiful place with us, Penny! You always find the best places to explore. Have a nice weekend! ♡
LikeLike
You will love it, Dawn. Cherry Lane is an expansion of her suburban garden – and more! I was waiting to your the restroom, housed in a separate building, with its usual lineup of women. Suddenly, some youngsters, boys, ran up saying “everyone is telling us to make sure to look at the bathroom”. Dawn, I kid you not, it is a treasure. Trudi was in the gardens and made sure visitors saw how she composts. 🙂 She is a resilient woman and inspiration to all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rabbit! Rabbit! Happy October, Penny! How lovely to talk with Trudi on Sunday! Do you know if this is her permanent residence now or if she still has both gardens? I wonder if Cherry Lane Farms might be open to the public on other days during the year? Can’t wait to visit this wonderful place! Have a delightful weekend, my friend! ♡
LikeLike
Penny, I’ve been busy and have got behind with your posts, and since I’m out at the bach on slow broadband, can only view this one. But I’ve glimpsed enough to see that autumn is your season for garden adventures. I enjoyed wandering through this lovely garden with you. I always like to see a good garden seat, strategically placed. I love all the rustic touches too in Trudy’s garden, and it sounds like a friendly atmosphere there.
LikeLike
You are at the bach! Summer weather must be there, Juliet. Yes. ‘Tis autumn here and we are experiencing the falling of leaves and cooling of temperatures. Trudi’s garden is expansive and inspirational. Her respective for the land is equal to her artistic creativity. She uses everything in some way or other and finds beauty in everything around her. It was a lovely garden warm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the woven fences (I know they’re called something special). I’ve always wanted to have them–but I never wanted to make them. 🙂 I’ll have to check out Trudy Temple!
LikeLike
I have always wanted them as well, Adrienne. I think they are called waddle fences and common in New England and, I suppose, England. Trudi Temple is a fascinating woman. You might enjoy her book.
LikeLike
The recollections of the warm day at the farm will keep you warm when the snow falls and the winds blow. I especially liked those gorgeous cows and the baby! I’ll bet there were barn cats galore out of sight!
LikeLike
The memories certainly will help to keep me warm, Marilyn. We’ve been wearing light jackets already here. Sigh. The cows had those amazing eyes, even the calf, and, my cat-loving friend, there were barn cats! We didn’t see them at Trudi’s farm, but, there were several at the diary farm, just outside the barn. Kittens. One was calico and reminded us of our cat, Zoe, who was a wedding shower gift! They looked to be several weeks old and were looking for a handout. 🙂
LikeLike
It is so wonderful when someone creates something beautiful like this garden. Thank you for sharing this with us Penny .
LikeLike
Gerlinde, this is an amazing farm. I didn’t get many photos of the vegetable garden, but, it was still producing, even this late in our growing season. Trudi buries the rotting vegetables and fruit in the garden, with a covering of dirt. Nothing, goes unused there. She was a child in Germany during the war. Her story is fascinating and I can’t help but imagine the two of you sharing recipes.
You are very welcome.
LikeLike
Isn’t it interesting how such a lovingly designed and creative space can inspire us? I can come away refreshed and ready to find a little corner or space in my own garden that I want to make special. I was not familiar with Trudi Temple and I’d like to know more about her. She sounds very interesting, and is obviously a very accomplished gardener. I love the old bench and such inviting little details. 🙂
LikeLike
It is, Debra. She is very creative and uses anything and everything in her garden spaces, and in her life. Her book, Trudi Temple’s Garden, and her life are fascinating. If you can get your hands on the book, I think you would enjoy it. It’s one that can be read in a weekend. She truly started a business out of her car. It parlayed into one of the most recognized businesses and names in the Chicago area.
Hope you are having a good weekend, Debra.
LikeLike
Cherry Hill Farm sounds like a lovely place to visit, Penny. That bench looks so inviting! Lovely photos!
LikeLike
Thank you, L. Marie.
I hope you are able to visit Cherry Lane Farm some day. It is wonderful – and there are many more inviting benches there. One of the most talked about spaces on the farm was the restroom! It was so quaint and cute and unique, even a trio of young boys were checking it out. tee hee
LikeLike
I used to love going to Trudi’s garden–it used to be open to the public two days a week if I remember right. I’ll need to follow up so I can see her farm next year.
LikeLike
Susan, you might enjoy this county-wide event next year. She is no longer opening up her home in the ‘burbs, but, Trudi’s farm is everything from there – and more! I am pretty sure it is the same weekend each year and the stroll is really worth going to.
LikeLiked by 1 person