“Dressage” is defined as the guiding of a horse through a series of complex maneuvers by slight movements of the rider’s hands, legs, and weight. Not only must these movements by the rider be imperceptible to the viewer, but both the horse and rider must appear relaxed and natural while performing them.

This type of training is a disciplined exercise and requires a great deal of skill on the part of the rider to fully execute. The desired effect is one of seemingly effortless grace, much like a ballet performance, which draws the viewer in with its incredible beauty. One might also say that the same discipline and techniques that are employed in dressage are also evident in the garden design of a pair of local horse enthusiasts with deep roots in the Millbrook community, only in this case instead of using a horse; their maneuvers are achieved through the juxtapositions of their gardens.

Should you think that all these designs are rather predictable and old school, you would be in for a surprise. And here is where the dressage metaphor comes into play; this is a thinking man’s garden, one that has been carefully orchestrated to guide you through the landscape without you ever being aware of it.

It is impossible to stand still in these gardens, as you are always being drawn into the next exciting vista or focal point. In addition to being a talented garden designer, David is also a bit of an alchemist. The Sloans regularly haunt antique stores, salvage yards, estate sales and flea markets, always on the prowl for a unique piece that can be transformed into something magical. They have even been known to go far, far off the beaten path, much to the horror of his wife Judy, should a really interesting artifact catch David’s eye.

A good example of this re-purposing would be the armillary sphere the Sloan’s had crafted from three large scale vintage wagon wheel rims that were welded together, and then placed as a single accent overlooking the lake. One of my favorite “salvage” pieces at Roseview is the former State School Train Station rescued from demolition and recycled into a garden folly just off the arena. Complete with period woodwork, cabinets, and ceiling treatments, the former Amenia NY station now does double duty as an impromptu office to receive conference calls.

Roseview was also the winner of the “Tailgate Party Wagon of the Year” award given by Polo Player Magazine for their original and amazing transformation of a hunt hound wagon into the consummate party set-up station for polo matches, horse shows and portable formal dinner parties around, and in, the gardens. As stated before, this is a couple who has every detail covered!