Barn Talk: Finding Harmony at River Hills

Leslie Needham’s twenty-year journey at River Hills, the 1780s house and property she and her husband John have restored in Bedford, NY, has been rooted in respect for history. Yet her focus has not been on freezing time or re-creating a historic homestead. Instead, she has strived to reveal timeless beauty by taking cues from the dappled hues of ancient stone walls, the surrounding historic woodlands, and native plants. Leslie will share the principals of her design and photos of River Hills—a garden that continues to cast a spell.

The work of Leslie Needham has been featured in numerous publications, received awards and recognition from the ASLD. River Hills is one of sixteen gardens featured in Larry Lederman’s book ‘Garden Portraits Experiences of Natural Beauty’, which in the words of Judith Tankard, “This book is an exceptional personal record of some of America’s most important gardens now.” Leslie was accredited as a landscape designer by the New York Botanical Garden Landscape Design Program, where she has subsequently taught design courses, and her degrees also include a Master Compost certificate from UConn and a BA from the University of Virginia. Most days you’ll find her with her hands deep in the dirt.

Advance reservation is suggested. Hollister House will follow all state and local guidelines for Covid-19 at our events.

HHG members $25 | Non-members $35

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