They range from grandfathers with traditional flowing sarongs hanging over their bare feet to teenagers clad in polo shirts and trainers, all climbing the 5, 000-odd stone steps that are illuminated by electric lights throughout the night, a glowing white line spiralling up the mountain and marking the way to the top.
What at first glance appears to be a jumble of boulders was probably a workshop where expert stonecutters practiced their trade. (One chunk of granite has been carved into almost-finished steps.) Another large stone, known as Serpent Rock, has snakes etched into its top surface.
The most significant feature of Nevins's garden at Middlefield is the hornbeam room, entered as one moves up a flight of stone-and-grass steps toward a bench set on axis with what is the beating heart of any country house in summer, the well-used and much-loved screened porch.