The Garden of Elaine H.

About

In 1971, when my husband and I purchased our home, the land was terribly overgrown, and the only two shrubs existing were two very straggly azaleas flanking the front steps. My first venture into gardening was cutting the azaleas almost to the ground and clearing the rest of the property completely. Over the years my garden has taken many different shapes and forms, although the azaleas remain lovely to this day. We fenced in the backyard to accommodate our dog and little children, and of course had the requisite swing set, forts, and wading pool, and vegetables were grown in raised beds that my children used to play in with their action figures. Ah, then of to college went my children and the serious thoughts of gardening took root, pardon the pun. During one of my son’s summer breaks, he dug out the area I had marked for a pond and used the dirt for the embankment on both sides of the stream. The whole family collected the rocks lining the pond area from all over the world. In their travels, my son and daughter even brought some home in suitcases from Europe! We still enjoy the pond, as does our resident bullfrog, named Tadtwo. Our gardens have grown substantially, especially over the last twenty years. We’ve added a large perennial garden and an arbor laden with a climbing rose, to our front yard. A brick patio outlined with azaleas was added of the kitchen, and the backyard has expanded to many gardens, including a wide variety of evergreens, trees, roses, and perennials. Lots of places to relax and enjoy the butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. For Mother’s Day each year my daughter’s gift to me is a weekend of planting annuals, weeding, and mulching. She is always surprised at how much she has learned over the years, and her little dogs love zooming among the plants and through the yard. I hope anyone who visits will feel relaxed as they experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of our yard.

This garden’s estimated size is 1/3 acre.

2025 Open Day:  Sunday, June 1

Hours:10-4 

Please note: This Open Day's date has been changed from Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, June 1 since the publication of the 2025 Open Days Directory.