“Small Garden on a Steep Slope” by Peter Rittenhouse

“Small Garden on a Steep Slope” by Peter Rittenhouse

by | Jul 21, 2021 | VGC 2021 – Flowers, Virtual Garden Contest 2021

Garden description: This little garden was created from scratch with the permission of my HOA. It is on a somewhat difficult spot. The space was limited to 30×8′. The slope is back to front and side to side. The area gets limited sun during the first half of the day.

Who are the gardeners? I am a retired single man living in a new construction condo community. I got permission to create a garden the full depth of my house but no wider than eight feet. I’m a long time novice gardener. I got great joy in seeing this come together. I’m anxious to see how it develops and grows next year.

Why do you garden? Gardening brings me great joy and relaxation. I do it for myself and for others to enjoy.

How has gardening impacted you during this time? This is a from scratch garden and the pandemic delayed installation by 8 months.

What do you have in your garden? My garden contains azaleas, a holly tree, a weeping cherry, several hosta, spirea, a climbing rose, hydrangeas, coreopsis, daylilies plus some annuals. There are two tiny gardens by my entry and I used some of the same materials. There is a wonderful birdhouse as a focal point at the top of the garden that was a gift from old friends.

Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? I have had a few insects attacking my rose bush but insecticidal soap seems to have solved the problem.

 

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“Coleus Among Us” by Rebecca Tagle

“Coleus Among Us” by Rebecca Tagle

by | Jul 12, 2021 | VGC 2021 – Flowers, Virtual Garden Contest 2021

Garden description: This is our front porch haven & has had its challenges over the years but this year it has flourished! Since we had a tree planted by DCH 6 years ago the front of our home has become increasingly shaded which we love…& so do this year’s Coleus! My window boxes have never looked so abundant! (neither have my ferns & hydrangea!) I have had quite a few people stop to ask me if they can take pictures! It’s been so much fun (& challenging) to find something that works on our porch!

Who are the gardeners: I have always loved gardening since I was a little girl! My Mother loved color & texture & that’s my favorite part of garden!

Why do you garden: Relaxation & challenging myself to find flowers/plants that work in my space, soil & local temperature.

 How has gardening impacted you during this time: I actually think my window boxes & plants look so good because I’ve been home & giving them more attention! We have been definitely good to each other!!!
 

What do you have in your garden? Coleus, Creeping Jennie, Various Ferns, Hydrangea, Corn Flower & Sedum.

Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? Nope

 

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“Trowel and Error” by Jasmine Kingston

“Trowel and Error” by Jasmine Kingston

by | Jul 7, 2021 | VGC 2021 - Vegetable Winners, VGC 2021 – Vegetables, Virtual Garden Contest 2021

Vegetable Gardens – 2nd Place

Garden description: I am a first-time gardener, I purchased a herb kit in 2020 (nothing grew) but decided to keep trying. My second endeavor was trying to grow seeds from grocery store fruit and when I got some of them to germinate my mom suggested we try to plant a garden outside this year. We tilled the soil for the two beds in front of our home and I started seeds indoors. After transplanting in March I’ve been diligently checking/watering the plants. I’ve been trying to use organic methods (espoma slow release fertilizer – tomato and garden tone). I’m excited we’ll be getting veggies soon!

Who are the gardeners: Jasmine with assistance from her mother Cheryl and moral support from her father Wayne.

Why do you garden: To see how many veggies I can successfully grow.

How has gardening impacted you during this time: It gives me something to look forward to when the virtual work day ends.

What do you have in your garden? I grow 4 varieties of tomatoes (Better Boy – det, Yellow Pear- indet, Supersteak Hybrid Beefsteak – indt, Mystery tomato – ?). Three varieties of peppers (Bell, Habanero, Jalapeno), A variety of herbs (oregano, sage, mint, cilantro/coriander). Strawberry – everbearing. Attempting to grow a concord grape vine as well as pear, apple, grapefruit, and pomelo trees from seed. Hostas are also in the beds for pollinators but were not planted this year.

Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? No, I keep a close eye on the garden to make sure there is a healthy balance of beneficial insects to combat the aphids and other pests that injure my plants.

 

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“Enchanted Country Flower Garden” by Tanya M Walsh

“Enchanted Country Flower Garden” by Tanya M Walsh

by | Jul 7, 2021 | VGC 2021 – Flowers, Virtual Garden Contest 2021

Garden description: A variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, and a few veggies plants. 1 raised bed, rest of the beds are normal. Well maintained and beautiful gardens.

Who are the gardeners: My family and myself.

Why do you garden: Stress relief and enjoyable activity.

How has gardening impacted you during this time: We have gardened now more than ever.

What do you have in your garden? Flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants.

Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? Yes, insects. We use seven pesticides.

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“A ‘Knockout Rose’ Garden” by Greg Young

“A ‘Knockout Rose’ Garden” by Greg Young

by | Jun 16, 2021 | VGC 2021 – Flowers, Virtual Garden Contest 2021

Garden description: Knockout Roses

Who are the gardeners: Greg Young and Erin Connelly

Why do you garden: For the fresh food for salads and dinners!

How has gardening impacted you during this time: It’s been a welcome distraction and something we can enjoy together.

What do you have in your garden? Knockout Roses. We also have a small garden adjacent to it that we’re growing several varieties of tomatoes, arugula, spinach, lettuce, peppers, and pumpkins.

Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? No.

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