It’s Wednesday evening and Craig and I have returned to Pandora after a day ashore in Nantucket. It’s been a long time since I have visited here and only the third time since I have been here by boat. Frankly, the moorings, at $75 per night, are the most expensive of any in New England, and I can’t see myself paying those sorts of fees so I didn’t visit for years. However, this time Craig and I opted to anchor beyond the mooring field, a half mile from the dock. It was blowing like stink but with the great dink and a powerful motor, we made the run in minutes and stayed dry. Fortunately, the harbor police didn’t notice, or care, that we were exceeding the speed limit.
The first time that Brenda and I came here by boat was when we had our 20’ Cape Cod catboat, TAO. After making the run here yesterday, it’s hard to believe that Brenda an I braved the seas to do this trip in such a small boat. The currents, as you come from Martha’s Vineyard and cross the shoals, are fierce and kick up a pretty nasty chop. Perhaps even more remarkable than the fact that Brenda and I did this trip in such a small and fragile craft, is the fact that Brenda didn’t say “I’m out of here” and ditch me and tiny TAO, on the spot. I guess that’s a story for another day. Thank you Brenda…
When we were here the first time, so many years ago. we ate at the Brotherhood and even though it was more than 30 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. Craig and I had lunch there today. It brought back memories. 
We also visited a very nice wine store, something that Brenda and I didn’t do when we visited so many years ago. They were serving some terrific CA wines. We enjoyed tasting them but I am still too cheap to pay those sorts of prices, larger boat or not. 
We also walked the docks at the marina and saw, first hand, the “big kids” and their boats. Well, we saw their hired help, at least. 
This streets are paved with cobbles brought here in the bilges of ships for ballast. The tree lined streets are very tranquil, in a “monied” sort of way.
I was struck by this flower stand. If Brenda were with me we surely would have stocked up. 
The local shops are very conscious about presenting their best “curb appeal”. These window boxes just shout “buy something, quick!”. 
Churches here are well supported and look beautiful. Craig and I opted to climb up into the bell tower of this stunning one. 
The view from up high of the harbor was spectacular. Love the rockers. What better spot to watch for returning ships. 
And, what’s a town full of beautiful homes without a few “painted ladies”. This one is an amazing standout. I’d hate to pay to keep this one in finery. 
I can’t say that I have seen such a profusion of gardens and planters ever in one place. Perhaps it’s the cool Nantucket air or the deep pockets of the homeowners. I expect that it’s both.
It seems to me that gardening here seems more like a competitive sport here on the island with each home more beautiful than the next. One look at this and Brenda would have me in the shop whipping up an arbor. 
How about this wall of roses?
One of Brenda’s favorites, Hollyhocks.
Don’t like pink, how about yellow? 
We walked by endless beautiful home perennial gardens. 
Well, I could go on for ever but I think that you get the picture. Besides, when Brenda sees this post I am going to be in a fix. “Bob, I’d need a new garden bed. I promise it won’t be a big one. Honest.”
Good thing we don’t live in Nantucket as my protestations wouldn’t hold much sway with Brenda. It’s clear that the mix of cool sea breezes married with owners who have deep pockets and Nantucket is indeed THE spot to garden.
Tomorrow Craig and I hope to head west to Martha’s Vineyard as we begin our run to Wickford where Pandora will be moored for the rest of the summer. So far, we have been blessed with great winds for sailing so let’s hope that our luck holds.
Well, it’s “opening time” so I’d best wrap this up.
2 responses to “The gardens of Nantucket. Wow!”