Shown here are some historical scenes of the grounds at the Reuel Smith House, as well as seasonal images from recent times, and an inventory of current plantings.

Architect A. J. Davis and Andrew Jackson Downing were collaborators on many noted projects before the 

latter's untimely demise in 1852, in a Hudson River boating accident. Although there is no evidence of Downing having a direct hand in Reuel Smith's landscape, the principles of creating an idyllic and natural setting for a country cottage were always part of Davis's and Downing's shared philosophies, and are evident in the plan for this home. From its first resident, who is said to have planted some of the giant trees still standing, to its most recent Copper Beech, nurtured from a sapling by Shirley Feldmann, the grounds have been meticulously maintained and carefully planted.

Shirley, an owner of Cobweb Cottage until her passing in 2015, was a talented gardener and lifelong member of the Skaneateles Garden Club. She was also the woman who brought the hanging floral baskets to the Village of Skaneateles, a tradition that continues to this day.