Mark Cain (Ray Eden Gardens) – Garden
13104 Cain Lane
Louisville, KY 40245

This extraordinary, graceful experience starts with a two stone column entrance with black lion sculptures on top on each side, on watch, with black wrought iron estate gates. You will then be in view of a 122-year-old Country Gentleman’s estate home. Originally there was a two-story log home built sometime in the 1800’s. Some of its remains were reconstructed on the estate as a one-story cottage. This estate embarks on a most magnificent 14-acre site. You will enjoy a spring fed lake, nursery, with a variety of trees and shrubs and many designed gardens. 

Landscape architects have been working on the gardens since 1990 implementing a variety of plant materials which continues on today. What now exists is one main coordinated garden area, which is composed of many small distinctive gardens, Koi Pond Garden area, Lilly Pond Garden with perennials, old courtyard gardens, shade gardens and a water feature which ties the driveway and main house together with dry stacked stone walls and landscaping. During the summer months there are dozens of different perennials in bloom changing monthly. The daylily beds are most magnificent near the middle of June through the middle of July with over 85 varieties in bloom.

John and Gretchen Clark – Home and Garden
520 Old Stone Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

Microphylla is the name of an old climbing rose with small leaves and tiny pink flowers, and the name given to Gretchen and John Clark’s house on Old Stone Lane. Tradition holds that construction began in 1790 with at least the right two bays of the stone portion of the house and hall and left two bays were then added. Although, the level of the hall argues that it was part of the original house, as does the fact that a two-bay house with an entry on the end wall opposite the chimney would have been extremely rare. The arched fan and sidelights were part of the work when the addition was made, dating the addition to 1816 based on the inclusion of the fan. The detached brick kitchen was likely built at this time also. 

The next building campaign was carried out in the 1870’s or 1880’s. The two-story frame portion of the house, whose gable peaks above the ridge of the stone section, contained the elongated two­ over-two windows which were added to the facade at the same time, giving the already old house its current appearance. The four panel doors and blue glass in the fan and sidelights date from this era. The addition connected the stone house to the brick kitchen, and with the later shed dormers lighting the original upstairs rooms, gave the house the configuration it maintained for over a century. 

When John and Gretchen took over in 2009, they retained architect J. Adger Stewart to expand the house. The stone section remains as they found it except for the exposed beams in the dining room, a pleasant renovation discovery. The lower level of the frame addition became the kitchen which opens to an expansive family room where the brick kitchen stood. A master suite, exercise room, and garage extend beyond. These changes provide modern living space and complement the original sections of the house. In 2022-23 the Clark’s added a front porch that had been removed in the early 1900’s. A cousin of John Clark, Chip North of Northdwell Architects, provided the period plans for the new porch. French doors were added at this time to the front door.  

Gretchen’s fabulous needlepoint, and well-maintained gardens only add to the charm of this remarkable survival from Louisville’s earliest days.

Dr. George Stege and Lisa Stege – Garden
4105 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY 40207

The ornamental garden is intertwined within an arboretum lending an eclectic feel. The unique design incorporates rooms that transition from one to the next as they meander through the.arboretum. The property is totally covered with strategic plantings which surround the entire space. Borders and islands of color create definition to the garden structure. They encircle the pool and fountains creating focal centers to please the senses. The classic pergola helps define the design and lends a Roman touch to the garden center opposing an array of white roses.

The Japanese garden contains a large Yin-Yang symbol made of crushed black and white marble surrounding a large bonsai holly tree. This anchors the rest of the Japanese area with various Japanese ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.

The orchard contains apple, pear, plum and cherry trees.  The perimeter is fenced creating a canvas for the several espaliers stretched on their two-dimensional displays.

There are several water features on the property. The main fountain feeds a waterfall and reflection pool, home to water lilies and Koi. Other areas contain plants with bright colors and rare cultivars. The overall experience is overwhelming for those fortunate enough to visit.