In Bloom: Tour Kate Morrison’s Storied Concord Garden

Kate Morrison, owner of Eastover Collection, designs custom planters, garden accents and window boxes. It’s no surprise she has one of the most enchanting gardens in North Carolina. She took us on an exclusive tour, and we’re so thrilled to bring you along for our next summer home tour series feature.

The home was built in 1974, and the former owners used the St. George Tucker House in colonial Williamsburg as inspiration for the exterior, including the use of unique ground gutters.

Kate and her husband purchased the property in 2016. They were looking for a larger house, and had the opportunity to see this beautiful Concord home before it hit the market. “Once I saw the gardens, I knew it was the home for us,” Kate says. “The gardens were a complete surprise and delight, and I just could not wait to be the next caretaker of such a special property.”

The former owner, Mrs. Martin Foil (Puddin) was a prodigious gardener. She didn’t have any formal training, but she had a deep understanding of engineering, design, and horticulture—and she worked with some of the best designers and gardeners in North Carolina for close to 40 years. “We have worked with some of those same people, and it is heart-warming to hear the stories of Mrs. Puddin and her garden,” Kate says.

The garden is climbing with roses, camellias, hydrangeas, Hoogendorn hollies, and Veronica penduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ ground cover. “After a trip to France last year, I was inspired to add tree form roses to the garden,” Kate shares with Garden & Grace. The Eastover Collection planters, designed by Kate, are filled with boxwood topiaries and annuals. It frames the garden entry and sets the stage for the formal gardens.

The walled garden is the centerpiece of the house. When you come through the front entry, you see through to the garden. It beckons you to come outside, listen to the birds, and enjoy the beauty of the space.

Even when she entertains, Kate serves dinner buffet style in the dining room and ushers everyone into the garden—especially in the cooler days of spring and fall. “I want everyone to feel relaxed and happy!” Kate says.

We hope you linger—and leave this tour relaxed and happy like all Kate’s guests.

All images are by Dustin Peck Photography who worked with Kate Morrison of Eastover Collection and Garden & Grace to capture the charm of this beloved Concord, NC home. To learn more about Eastover Collection and inquire about ordering a planter, please visit www.eastovercollection.com to view the catalog.