Garden description: It is increasingly planted with native perennials and filled in with annuals for bright Continual summer colors.
Who are the gardeners: It is mine only. I have been doing this for 40 years in the front yard. I love putting a bright face On my house for all who pass by. I became a Master Gardener in 2015. I have a lot to learn, but I have added many Native perennials and four slowly growing winterberry sprites in the front yard garden. The garden is filled with bees and butterflies, hummingbirds, and today a goldfinch. A robin kept me company in the spring while I worked the soil, of course waiting for the worm.
Why do you garden: I just love the colors and shapes of flowers and the continual Work and challenge—will the zinnia seeds come up, will those stakes hold them during the soon-to-be thunderstorm, Should i fertilize each plant before rain or after. I love moving plants around and researching and buying new natives. I even tried to do a watercolor of my new dianthus rockin red in a zoom watercolor class recently. It is an amazing red that I could not quite capture. My Friends are very patient liking my posts when I yet again post another picture on Facebook. I even talk to the plants now and then to see what it is they need:) Of course, this year it was difficult to get all the plants I wanted although Gateway was fabulous and delivered many. I needed more solid reds and other colors . . . A bit too much orange. Perhaps too many salvia stalks, but at any rate, I will continue to care tenderly for it as it changes in the next two months and then leave much for the birds throughout the winter until it is time to start again in April. I know the garden is a little tacky, especially compared to so many fabulous gardens created by my fellow master gardeners and By the renown garden institutions like yours in our area, but it is enthusiastic for sure.
How has gardening impacted you during this time: It has filled me with joy, challenge, physicality, and curiosity! Every morning, I sit near the garden, listening to the orchestra of singing birds that are so present during these quiet days.
What do you have in your garden? Henry Eiler, Rudbekia, lilies, ferns, cone flowers, Angeloni, marigolds and zinnias from seeds, native salvias and annual salvia from Gateway, dianthus rocking red, winterberry sprites, and more
Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? I had to use some Neet spray on some plants, but it seems to have worked. Also, my black eyed Susans are struggling in some places this year, but growing well in other places.
Cultivate Spring Summer 2026
The latest issue of Cultivate is ready for your reading pleasure. This issue highlights our impact in the community and includes our 2025 Fiscal Year Annual Report. Must-read features include growing stronger communities through greening, the success of the 2025 Branches to Chances® graduating class, and program highlights.
