Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Washington Supply: A Trusted Name in Outdoor Living and Garden Expertise

A staple in the community for over a century, Washington Supply Company has been serving Litchfield County with unmatched quality and service for 132 years. As a full-service lumber yard and hardware store, the business expanded in 2006 to include a dedicated Lawn, Garden, and Outdoor Living Center—bringing the same trusted expertise to every aspect of outdoor life.

Located in the heart of Washington, the center has become a go-to destination for homeowners looking to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. From professional consultations to expert product knowledge, Washington Supply offers a complete and seamless customer experience. With free assembly, white-glove delivery service, and a carefully curated selection of high-quality outdoor furniture, grills, and accessories, they make it easy to transform any backyard or patio into a retreat.

We spoke with the team at Washington Supply to learn more about their offerings and what makes their Garden and Outdoor Living Center so special.

1. What types of services do you provide?
We offer professional consultation and expert product knowledge on all things garden and outdoor living. Our team helps guide customers from the planning stage to final setup. We also provide free assembly and delivery, along with white glove service on furniture and grills.

2. What inspired you to launch the Garden and Outdoor Living Center?
We wanted to provide a full-service, start-to-finish product buying experience. Since we already offered everything to complete the entire home, it made sense to offer the best for outdoor living as well.

3. What makes your garden center and outdoor showroom unique?
Our product selection really sets us apart. We carry organic soils, fertilizers, and garden tools, as well as high-end outdoor furniture and grills. We’re a stocking dealer for Kingsley Bate teak and wicker, Breezesta composite furniture, Weber, and Big Green Egg grills. We also offer tabletop décor and gifts in our outdoor living showroom.

4. Do you host any events or offer seasonal changes?
Absolutely! One of the most exciting changes each year is our transformation from a warm-weather outdoor entertaining center to a full Christmas shop. It’s something our customers look forward to.

5. What advice do you have for customers designing their outdoor spaces?
Don’t overthink it. Keep it simple. We’re always here to help. As many of our customers have told us, “You make it so easy.”

6. What’s your favorite part about being part of the Litchfield County community?
Litchfield County offers a wonderful quality of life. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of character. We love helping residents enhance their properties and enjoy their outdoor spaces even more.—washingtonsupply.com

Design, Build, and Maintain your Outdoor Haven

Haab Landscaping, LLC is a full-service landscape construction and maintenance company owned by Jeff and Sawyer Haab. Founded by Jeff in 2003 while studying landscape design at SUNY Cobleskill, the business has grown to offer a wide range of services—from patios and fencing to mowing and snow removal. Jeff and Sawyer work side by side, managing everything from office operations to on-site projects with hands-on dedication and care.

1. What inspired you to start this business, and what do you love most about it?
The inspiration came early—Jeff grew up helping maintain the Haab family farm in Millerton, NY. That experience, along with working for other landscaping companies as a teenager and taking landscape courses through FFA at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, helped shape the business. We love creating and caring for outdoor spaces that bring people joy.

4. How does your garden center stand out from others in the area?
As a smaller, family-run company, we prioritize strong relationships with our customers. We’re accessible, responsive, and committed to meeting each client’s needs promptly and personally.

5. What’s your favorite part about being part of the Litchfield County community?
Though our business is based in Millerton, our family lives in Litchfield County, where we grew up. We love this area and feel fortunate to work on projects that help clients enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of their surroundings.

6. What are the top three trending plants this spring, and why are they popular?
In spring, flowering favorites like Rhododendrons, Lilacs, and Magnolia trees are always in demand for their striking blooms. We recommend planting these in the fall so they’re ready to shine come spring.
Looking ahead to summer, hydrangeas and butterfly bushes remain popular for their long-lasting blooms. This season, we’re seeing particular interest in the ‘Incrediball’ and ‘Grateful Red’ hydrangeas, as well as the colorful ‘Kaleidoscope’ butterfly bush.

7. What’s the best way to prepare a garden for spring planting?
Start by considering the type of garden you want: Do you enjoy gardening or prefer low maintenance? Think about the colors, textures, and whether native plants are a priority. Also, make sure your selections will thrive in your environment—considering pets, wildlife, soil, and sunlight. Test your soil to ensure it’s healthy, and clean up any debris from the fall or winter. Thoughtful planning makes all the difference—and we’re always happy to help clients through the process. haablandscaping.com 

66 Skunks Misery Rd Millerton NY 12546

Kent Greenhouse & Gardens has been a leader in landscape design, installation, and estate care for decades, offering everything from customized outdoor spaces to in-house pool design and construction. As part of the Mariani Premier Group, the company is dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor living environments. We had the opportuniyy to speak with Darrell Cherniske, a seasoned landscape professional with over 30 years of experience and a background in landscape architecture from Cornell University. In this Q&A, Darrell shares insights into what sets Kent Greenhouse apart, its commitment to quality craftsmanship, and how the team helps clients bring their outdoor visions to life.

1. What makes Kent Greenhouse & Gardens unique in the landscape design and installation industry?

We offer a seamless, full-service experience—designing, building, and maintaining landscapes and outdoor living spaces, including pools and patios, with expert care to ensure long-term beauty and functionality.

2. What types of clients do you typically work with, and what are they looking for in a landscape partner?

We serve a broad array of clients from those who have established landscapes that require comprehensive care to those seeking an exciting new design or broad scale renovation.  Our clients are looking for a team to handle all of their needs anchored by top quality, value, and collaborative communication.

3. What trends or changes have you noticed in your industry recently? 

Clients are looking for landscapes and property care regimens that are more sustainable and budget friendly without sacrificing functionality and creativity.

4. How are you helping clients transition from traditional lawns to more sustainable meadowscapes

We have worked with several clients to reduce the volume of weekly mowed turf in favor of establishing sustainable meadowscapes.  It requires a minimum of three years, but the effects are long-lasting with periodic maintenance and properly calibrated expectations.

5. What sustainable practices do you recommend for eco-friendly gardening? 

Proper plant selection is more critical than ever in the face of climate, pest, and disease pressures.  The reduction of turf and the use of auto-mowers can be part of an eco-friendly management plan for a property. Letting go of the notion that a garden can or needs to be perfect at all times is a healthy trend. 

6. How can property owners create resilient, ever-evolving landscapes?

Accelerating environmental challenges are an opportunity to construct more resilient landscapes that harness the adaptability of natural systems over time.  Property owners should view their landscapes as a constantly evolving ecosystem where surprises can often bring more reward than striving for an unrealistic sense of static perfection.

Tucked along Litchfield Road in New Milford, The Green Spot is a locally owned garden center known for its thoughtful selection of organic plants—from quirky and unusual finds to timeless classics and beloved natives. Owned by Chris Bruzzi, The Green Spot goes beyond plants, offering expert landscape design, build, and installation services, including masonry and maintenance. With a passion for beauty and sustainability, The Green Spot helps bring outdoor spaces to life across Litchfield County and beyond.

1. What inspired you to start your business, and how did your experience lead you here?

The Garden Center grew out of many years of providing landscaping services in the community. Collaborating with architects and designers to bring clients’ visions to life deepened our appreciation for the connection between people and nature. We’ve seen firsthand how plants can be truly transformative—turning outdoor spaces into personal sanctuaries.

2. What sets your services or products apart from others in the industry?
   We approach each project organically, holistically, and respectfully. Each landscape is characteristically unique, and it’s important to us and our clients to highlight those qualities in an organic, sustainable, healthy way. We are a hardworking, passionate team that thrives on collaboration with our clients and nature.
3. Who is your typical client, and how do you cater to their specific needs?
   Our clients range from friendly locals coming in for a few vegetable plants to someone needing a full master plan of a property brought to life. Everyone receives our attention, and the importance of all our actions—big or small—has an impact on the planet and how we are all connected.
4. What trends or changes have you noticed in your industry recently?
   We’re excited to see more people interested in native plantings. Not surprisingly, there’s a growing interest in understanding the importance of environmental purpose and being stewards to the land. We’re also inspired by the growing number of homeowners starting vegetable gardens and orchards.
5. Can you share a success story or project transformation that you’re particularly proud of? We have worked on some challenging sites with steep topography. One site comes to mind where we were able to bring to life this incredible design that provided the site useful access to the lake, incorporated many pollinator-friendly plants, and had year-long interest. It all came together harmoniously. It’s incredibly heartwarming to have people take the time to stop and comment on the properties we’ve worked on. After a project is done, it’s amazing how the impact is appreciated by so many others. It’s humbling but reassuring that we’re doing something right.

6. What sustainable practices do you recommend for eco-friendly gardening?
   That’s a great question! We recommend starting with the soil quality. This will influence the trajectory of the garden with clean, nutrient-dense soil.
7. Anything else you think is important to share with our readers?
   We are so grateful for all the clients, architects, and designers we are able to work with. If you can dream it or have an image in mind that you want to bring to life, we look forward to helping you achieve those dreams. We thrive best in those collaborative relationships.-thegreenspotnewmilford.com

Scott’s Nursery & Landscaping is a full-service design and build firm, featuring a six-acre, award-winning garden center. Specializing in landscape and hardscape design, the company also provides maintenance and gardening services. Established over 25 years ago, Scott’s has recently entered a new chapter under the ownership of three long-standing employees—Colleen Purcell, Jared Knecht, and Jose Tacuri. Five years ago, these dedicated professionals took the reins, combining their expertise to continue the legacy and evolve the business.

1. What makes your garden center unique compared to others in the area?
   Scott’s Nursery is a fun and inspiring place to explore nature. Our full-service garden center features a wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropicals, veggies, herbs, tools, pottery, statuary, mulch, and more. We love to reuse, so you’ll find many unique, recycled, upcycled, and repurposed items throughout the yard. Our ever-changing display gardens are creative and inspiring, with surprises around every corner.
2. What’s one piece of expert advice you always share with your customers?
   My favorite piece of advice is “The right plant for the right place!” Success is much easier when you aren’t trying to fit a plant into an unsuitable environment. Our nursery offers a wide variety, but speaking with our staff and sharing key details about your space—like sun exposure, space size, and how much time you have for care—can lead to great results.
3. What’s your favorite flowering plant for adding color to a garden?
   We love hydrangeas! Available in various sizes, hydrangeas provide months of showy blooms. For small gardens or containers, try Little Quick Fire Hydrangea, which grows to about 2’x 2’. Little Lime Punch, the 2025 hydrangea of the year, offers gorgeous multi-colored blooms into fall. For larger spaces, Limelight Hydrangea grows 8’x 8’ and thrives in shady corners.
4. What eco-friendly or sustainable gardening products do you recommend?
   Our most popular mulch, Sweet Peet, is 100% organic, composted agricultural manure. It’s excellent for water retention, pH balancing, weed control, and soil enrichment. We also offer premium mulches like our triple-shed bark, sourced directly from Vermont sawmills, with no added fillers or dyes. Unlike bagged mulches from big-box stores, our mulches are free of chemicals and pesticides, promoting healthier gardens.
5. Are there any new garden design trends you’re seeing this year?
   Native plants are “growing” in popularity! This year, Scott’s has greatly expanded our native plant offerings, dedicating a large section of the nursery to native species, including shrubs, perennials, and trees. We’re passionate about preserving and protecting the environment, and we’re proud to contribute by providing a diverse range of native plants for our customers to add to their gardens. scottsnursery.com

Maria Lynch Dumoulin is the third-generation owner of Kenneth Lynch & Sons, a company with a nearly 100-year legacy in fine outdoor furniture, garden ornamentation, and park furnishings. Founded in 1927 by her grandfather, Kenneth Lynch, the company began with a focus on ornamental metalwork and European-inspired garden statuary.

A defining moment in its history was Kenneth Lynch’s collaboration with the NYC Parks Department to design the iconic 1939 World’s Fair Bench, a timeless piece still found throughout Central Park today. Under Dumoulin’s leadership, the company continues to honor its craftsmanship and heritage while evolving to meet modern design needs.

As Kenneth Lynch & Sons approaches its centennial in 2027, Dumoulin remains committed to preserving its rich history while shaping the future of outdoor design.

1. Tell us about your collections…

Our Florentine Classics collection features elegant, handcrafted outdoor furniture designed to last for generations. Estate Elements offers classic garden ornamentation in metal and stone, from small accents to monumental statuary. Urban Seating includes various bench styles and park furnishings, including Hermann Park benches, found on Main Street in Kent. Every piece is meticulously crafted by our skilled artisans in Connecticut.

2. Who are your typical clients? Do you work primarily with homeowners or landscape designers?

We work one-on-one with homeowners, landscape designers, and interior designers. Our role is to bring their design visions to life, whether helping a homeowner find the perfect piece for their garden or collaborating with high-end designers on large-scale orders of outdoor furniture. We work on projects nationwide, from beautiful estates in Connecticut to penthouses in New York City, oceanside properties in Palm Beach to charming secret gardens in Charleston, and beyond!

3. What are some projects you’ve worked on in Litchfield County?

We’ve collaborated with many homeowners and designers in the area on garden, veranda, and poolside projects. A few that come to mind are poolside chaise lounges, tiered fountains, and custom furniture for outdoor living and dining. Some of our most popular pieces in Connecticut gardens are our classical armillary sundials and statuary.

4. What trends are you seeing in luxury outdoor design, and how is your brand evolving?

Clients increasingly seek personalized outdoor spaces, so we’ve expanded our customization options. Every design vision is unique, and we collaborate to create bespoke pieces—from deeper lounge seating to curved poolside sofas or custom table styles. Our ability to tailor style, size, and finish sets us apart and is highly valued by designers.

5.  What’s something people might not know about your company—an interesting anecdote or behind-the-scenes detail?

We have quite a rich history with New York City landmarks! In the late 1920s, Kenneth Lynch created the set of Heroic Eagle gargoyles that grace the Chrysler Building. He also worked on the repair of the Statue of Liberty, and in 1982 the National Parks Service celebrated “Kenneth Lynch Day” in his honor. Currently, we work with the NYC Parks Department, Disney Resorts, Universal Studios, and with parks and designers nationwide. We’re quite proud of our legacy. klynchandsons.com

For nearly 37 years, Arbor Services of Washington has been a trusted name in complete tree care throughout Litchfield County. Founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Joslyn Pollock in 1988, the company has earned a reputation for its knowledgeable, professional service and deep respect for nature. From planting and fertilizing to pruning, disease treatment, and thoughtful removals, Arbor Services offers holistic care to ensure the long-term health and beauty of trees and landscapes. With a dedicated, credentialed team and a passion for education, they help clients steward their landscapes with care—and enjoy the natural world just outside their door.

1. What does Arbor Services offer?
We’re a full-service tree care company. We plant, fertilize, transplant, prune, cable, install lightning protection, add outdoor tree lighting, treat for insect, disease, and tick issues, and remove trees and stumps. We also consult with landscape architects and advise homeowners. Most importantly, we aim to educate about proper tree care. We want to help manage client investment in a way that enhances the landscape with a vision to future options.

2. What inspired you to start the company, and what do you enjoy most about the work?
Bill’s career began with an apprenticeship in the Hamptons and at the Central Park Conservancy, which led to estate gardens in Greenwich and eventually to Litchfield County. We were drawn to the area’s natural beauty and the community’s appreciation for its landscapes. This business allows us to blend our passion for arboriculture with meaningful, long-term relationships.

3. What sets your services apart from other tree care companies?
We offer comprehensive care for the full life cycle of a tree, focusing on health, safety, and beauty. Our clients take joy in seeing their landscapes thrive, and we couldn’t do it without our outstanding team. We have four arborists with an International Certification, two CT licensed arborists, one NY licensed arborist, three Tree Risk Assessment Qualified arborists, and four Certified Tree Safety Professionals.

4. Are there any special events or seasonal offerings?
Yes! We host a spring pruning workshop at the Warren Community Garden at Wasley’s Farm. In September, we join Saluting Branches, a national effort providing tree care for veterans—recently at the Rocky Hill campus. In the fall, we partner with TradesUp Spark to introduce trades to kids and teens at the Connecticut Antique Machinery location in Kent. Details for all events are on our Facebook page.

5. What’s one key piece of advice you share with clients?
Plan your landscape with an understanding of each tree’s unique characteristics. Doing so helps ensure their long-term health and brings lasting enjoyment. Responsible stewardship makes all the difference.

6. What do you love most about being part of the Litchfield County community?
We’re constantly reminded of the deep connection between people and nature here. It’s humbling and rewarding to know our work helps foster that connection and enhances how residents experience their landscapes and woodlands. – arborct.com

Brook Clark Landscape Architects is an award-winning firm specializing in high-end residential landscape design. Based in Sandy Hook, the firm works closely with clients throughout New England, offering a range of services to create outdoor spaces that reflect the unique vision of each property owner. Known for their expertise in both design and project management, they bring a meticulous approach to each landscape project.

1. Can you tell us about the services Brook Clark Landscape Architects offers and the types of projects you specialize in?

We are an award-winning firm specializing in high-end residential landscape design, as well as select institutional and commercial projects. The firm collaborates closely with clients throughout New England to craft outdoor spaces that reflect their unique vision. We design planting, masonry, pools, and anything else you can dream of for your property.

2. What makes your landscape architecture firm unique compared to others in the area?
We bring the highest level of attention and design to all of our projects. Our detailed drawings set us apart from the competition.

3. What’s one piece of expert advice you always share with your customers?
Start with an overall master plan for the property to create a cohesive vision. Dream big!

4. What’s your favorite part about being part of the Litchfield County community?
The wonderful people and unique properties.

5. What are the top three trending plants this spring, and why are they popular?

• Verbena Bonariensis: This annual is pure magic and often overwinter or reseeds.
• Cornus Mas: It is native and blooms around a month earlier than forsythia.
• Snowdrops: Everyone needs snowdrops. For me, they are the first official sign that spring is coming.

6. What eco-friendly or sustainable gardening products do you recommend?
No-mow lawns: This drought-tolerant alternative to traditional lawns has a soft, interesting texture.

7. What’s one common mistake gardeners make, and how can they avoid it?
Not having an overall vision and plan. Landscaping is an investment, and it has to be done right. brookclark.com

Cricket Hill Garden

Nestled in Thomaston, Cricket Hill Garden is a specialty nursery known for its rare and unusual plants—most notably its renowned collection of peonies. Founded over 30 years ago by Kasha and David Furman, and now run by Kasha and her son Daniel, the nursery has grown into a beloved destination for gardeners across the region. Their organically grown selection includes tree peonies, hardy fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs.

1. Tell us about Cricket Hill Garden.
We’re a second-generation family nursery, growing rare and unusual plants for over 30 years. We began in the early 1990s as specialists in Chinese tree peonies, and over time expanded our offerings to include hardy fruit trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs. We grow and propagate almost everything on-site, and our potted plants are ready for spring planting.

2. How did the business get started?
My parents, Kasha and David Furman, moved to Litchfield County in the late 1980s seeking a quieter life to raise their family. With backgrounds in graphic design and advertising, they shared a passion for gardening and began exploring small-scale agriculture. Eventually, they discovered a niche importing and growing tree peonies from China. David had long been fascinated with these iconic Chinese plants. Today, we grow more than ever—and everything is propagated right here in Thomaston. We ship nationwide each fall.

3. What makes Cricket Hill unique?
We offer plants you won’t find at big box stores or typical garden centers. Since we propagate most of what we sell, customers can take home the same unique varieties that thrive in our own gardens. We truly love what we grow and want to inspire others with our curated selection of resilient, beautiful plants.

4. What’s your planting philosophy?
Start with your soil and location. Good drainage and adequate sunlight are key—few plants thrive in wet soil, so we often recommend raised beds. We’ve always grown organically, avoiding pesticides and herbicides. Instead, we use compost, natural amendments, and mulching to support long-term plant health.

5. What are your favorite low-maintenance plants?
Herbaceous peonies are incredibly easy to grow. They’re long-lived perennials that bloom reliably for decades when planted in well-drained soil and full sun. Their tuberous roots expand each season, eventually producing 50 or more blooms on a mature plant.

6. Any standout or unusual varieties you recommend?
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a small tree that grows 8–10 feet tall. It’s virtually pest-free and has lovely spring blooms that attract pollinators. The tart, red fruit ripens in late summer and is perfect for jams and baking. We offer several Eastern European cultivars selected for excellent fruit quality.

Tree peonies remain our signature offering. These woody shrubs have stunning 6- to 10-inch blossoms—many with fragrance—and can live for generations. We’ve even traveled to China to see 400-year-old specimens. Our customers love them for their beauty and longevity.

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm through June 21, 2025. By appointment only after that date. treepeony.com

Peerless Tree Expert Company was founded in 1945 by William “Bill” Koneazny upon his return from World War II. He later re-enlisted and served during the Korean War. After coming home to Hartford, Bill established Peerless Tree Expert. When his best friend, Cliff Dauer, returned from the Navy, Bill invited him to join as a business partner. Later, after completing his service in Europe, Bill’s brother Jack Koneazny also came aboard.

By this time, Peerless had relocated to the Berkshires, and over the next several decades, the three partners grew the company to more than 20 employees, servicing clients across Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. Peerless played a vital role in infrastructure projects, from clearing land for new roads in Cape Cod to working on power and telephone lines in Pennsylvania. Locally, the company helped clear the slow lane on Smith Hill in Salisbury and assisted Connecticut with cleanup after the 1955 floods. Additionally, Peerless partnered with state agencies to manage infestations such as Spongy Moth and Cankerworm.

As the company expanded, it acquired Zetterstrom Tree Expert Company and Hollins & Tuttle Tree Experts, creating more local jobs. Peerless holds multiple licenses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York and specializes in horticulture and landscape design. Now spanning three generations, the company remains family owned and operated. In recent years, John Koneazny joined as a full partner, leading the landscape division with Shane Helminiak, while James Koneazny oversees plant health care and pest control.

Peerless provides comprehensive services, including insect and disease diagnosis and treatment for trees and shrubs, arboriculture consulting, turf care programs, tick abatement, and landscape and garden design, installation, and maintenance.

For over 80 years, working outdoors in such a beautiful region has been a privilege, but what the team values most are the long-term relationships built with clients, colleagues, and co-workers. These relationships are based on trust, dedication, and a commitment to high-quality service. Many landscape and tree care companies have come and gone, but after eight decades and three generations, Peerless remains stronger than ever. Their depth of knowledge and industry experience sets them apart.

Shane Helminiak reflects on Peerless’s evolving approach: “One of the newest landscape trends we embrace is designing low-maintenance landscapes. I personally select all plant materials for our projects, focusing on species that are resilient to nature’s challenges—less susceptible to pests, deer damage, drought, and disease. This approach reduces the need for excessive upkeep while keeping landscapes beautiful year-round.”

He adds, “We’re also incorporating meadows and hardscape elements, ensuring that our landscapes are both sustainable and enduring. Our goal is to create meaningful outdoor spaces that not only enhance property value but also require less maintenance, making them enjoyable for years to come.”—peerlesstree.com