Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Beginning June 29 and continuing through Aug. 10, the Presque Isle Garden Club will be hosting Sundays in the Garden, featuring the floral artistry of various members and friends of the club. Each garden has its own unique qualities, whether it’s a shady yard, difficult-to-mow slope, a wooded area or a rock wall display.
The first event kicks off June 29 at the home of Pat Rathbun, at 129 Hardy St.
“It started as a low-maintenance border, but over the past 10 years, it has evolved into a woodland garden,” said Rathbun.
Rathbun’s display combines the natural terrain of the site, the shady yard and the deck area. Arrangements include hostas, lilies, astiblies and even a magnolia.
July 13 will feature Julie Freeman’s gardening efforts at 14 Coburn Ave.
“My garden combines my father’s tradition of working the soil and my mother’s love of lilies,” said Freeman.
In her in-town garden, Freeman meets the challenges of shade gardening with the use of perennials and ground cover. Freeman augments her perennials with annuals grown from seed.
“My newest gardening project converts a formerly wild area of my yard into a peaceful garden retreat featuring a stone bench,” Freeman said.
On July 20, Tammy Walton will play host at 8 Dupont St.
“I’m someone who just dabbles in gardening,” said Walton.
Walton’s gardens make the most of the confines of a small in-town garden through the use of plants that fit the space and a wide array of colors to suit the seasons.
“My primary garden began as a difficult-to-mow slope behind my home,” said Walton.
The next stop on the summer tour will be at Andi Dyer’s home at 205 Fort Road on July 27 – a garden composed of two different sections.
“The first section I’ve been tending for almost 30 years – a wildflower garden with extensive garden art,” said Dyer.
The second garden, built 11 years ago with the help of her friend, Betty Higgins, Dyer refers to as her “upper garden.”
“It contains a dry streambed with a bridge, as well as arbors and fences,” said Dyer.
Next on the tour is Nadine Moreau’s home at 111 Hanson Lake Rd. on Aug. 3.
Moreau’s garden began to take root some 30 years ago and has continued to develop over the years.
“Almost 30 years ago, I began landscaping my home on the shores of Hanson Lake. I turned design challenges, including a leach field mound and rock pile, into design opportunities,” said Moreau.
Currently, Moreau has over 100 varieties of day lilies in her gardens.
Darlene Higgins’ garden at 135 Higgins Rd. will be the last of the summer tour, with Higgins welcoming visitors on Aug. 10.
“I’ve been gardening this site for over 30 years. It’s constantly evolving,” said Higgins.
Higgins’ “pride and joy” is the rock wall she and her husband constructed from stones taken off the family farm. Included in the Aug. 10 tour is the potting shed built by Higgins’ husband.
Admission is $3 per garden, payable on the day of the tour at the featured location. Hours are noon to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
