Block Name: "Peak Garden”
Host Name: Liz Avery
Address: 8 Anne Street, Millbrook
A replica of the quilt Liz Avery’s mother made for her in 1985, this unique appliqué quilt block bursting with lupins, foxgloves, fuchias and forget-me-nots recalls for Liz her grandfather’s mountaintop garden, aptly named Peak, located in Springville, New York State. Liz remembers her mother’s father teaching her as a young child how to wear foxgloves on her fingers and make hollyhock dolls. Creativity runs in the family: Liz’s mother, Kashi Carter, was well known, mid 20th century, for her handcrafted sets of historical dolls that became valuable collectibles. A former member of the Oakville Stitchery Guild, Liz herself is a skilled and ingenious needleworker, and always has at least half a dozen projects underway when she isn’t out in her own beautiful garden or up to something creative in the village and beyond.
Liz and her husband Hal moved to this Second Empire home with its characteristic cedar shake Mansard roof in 2005. The house was built by carriage maker Alexander Ferguson in 1863. The property extends down to a meandering stream where, a century ago, Gordon McIvor’s oatmeal mill stood just to the east. Liz has created a small pond that features water iris, lily pads and wild phlox. A series of colourful flower beds cover the slope from house to pond and, in front, memories of Peak Garden are reflected in the hollyhocks and lupins.
Block designed by: Liz Avery, after Kashi Carter
Block painted by Liz Avery, Maya DeMaria, Betty Hobson, Jeanne Moran, Glen Spurrell
Barn Quilt Trail Etiquette:
Please Respect Private Property. Most quilt blocks are installed on private property and should be viewed from the road.
Please do not trespass. In some cases - only where clearly indicated - the barn quilt may be located on a business and the property may be open to the public.
Please drive carefully. Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous and illegal. Use caution when slowing or stopping near a site
