Reed Creek Farm

The Reed Creek Farm garden was inspired by Marcia Simmons, a Master Gardener who wanted to replicate the attributes she loved in English gardens while reflecting the historical appropriateness of the adjacent 18^th century home. After her first recurrence of breast cancer in the late 1990s, Marcia was determined to establish something that would last for generations. Bob Simmons enlisted the help of Barbara Paca, a historic landscape designer whose ancestor had actually collaborated with the architect of Reed Creek Farm’s colonial mansion in the 1700s.

Prior to Dr. Paca’s initial design in 2000, she encouraged Bob and Marcia to travel throughout the UK and identify their favorite aspects of the gardens they visited.  Marcia was then heavily involved in selecting perennials that represented the color and style that appealed to her. The tall gates and brick wall was designed by Philip Logan in order to provide the much needed protection from the harsh winter winds off the Chesapeake Bay.  There is no such thing as a “final product” when it comes to gardening, but the curved brick wall, oyster shell paths and initial plantings were completed in 2001. To meet the need of the changing life span of certain plants, continual adjustments and improvements are being implemented in the garden to this day.  

After 17 years of battling the disease, Marcia Simmons was interred in the wall of her garden in April 2006.  The daunting task of maintaining her creation is fulfilled by her daughters (sometimes granddaughters) and caretaker.  In the few years Marcia had to dig in this dirt at Reed Creek Farm, she hoped her efforts would be - as inscribed on her plaque – “Soli Deo Gloria”   (To God alone be glory).

Private tours may be arranged by contacting rcf@reedcreekfarm.com.