By Betty A. Little, Killington Arts Guild
posted
Jul 18, 2012
When I first met Susan Maples, she was making ski clothing in
the winter. Every time I went for a fitting, we would wind up
talking about plants and gardens. I persuaded her to give a slide
program on landscaping for the Killington Arts Guild at the
Sherburne Library. It was the most popular program that year.
On Monday July 23, Susan will give another presentation for KAG,
a tour of her garden. She started that garden 16 years ago with a
packet of wild flower seeds and says, "As it grew and evolved, it
became a place in which I learned what works and what doesn't in
this challenging climate." Today, she is a self-taught gardener and
landscaper specializing in perennials. Her garden has stone
terraces, paths and stairs, and a water feature intertwined with a
melange of perennials. She propagates her own plants and includes
them in her client's gardens. Her landscapes are influenced by her
experiences as a textile designer and an artist hand painting silks
for couture clothing and costumes for dancers. After years of
painting floral designs she has taken her love of flowers and
understanding of color and design outside.
Over the last 14 years, with her husband Vito Rasenas, she has
built a full service landscaping business. He started with local
developer Martin "Charlie" Hanley clearing landscapes and
developing lots. Culling trees for garden expansion, increased
sunshine, and airflow, as well as installing drainage to control
water flow is his specialty. His skills complement Susan's and thus
they are well suited at adapting gardens and creating uniquely
attractive landscapes to fit in with our rugged mountain
environment.
On Monday, July 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. Susan Maples will give a
tour of her garden and answer your gardening questions at 446 W.
Hill Road, Killington. 802-422-3852. The public is invited to
attend.
Besides this tour, KAG is conducting art classes in the
Summerfest Program that runs through August. KAG members and area
residents are invited to take advantage of the art programs, book
reviews and other events. Some are open without charge. Others are
$10 a session. Schedules and registrations are at the Killington
Grand Hotel. KAG will hold a Summerfest Art Show and reception on
August 24 at the Gallery at Cabin Fever Gifts on Route 4 opposite
the Killington Access road. The public is invited. See
www.killingtonartsguild.org for details.
Tagged:
Garden Design, KAG
