Grovers—2 legged (Anonyman) and 4 legged (Laddie and Dreamer)–enjoy the iris display in Founders’ Park. May, 2014. Paul Goldfinger photo ©
Heck Ave. An Ocean Grove side/front garden. Blogfinger photo June 3, 2014. ©
Peonies at 128 Heck. June 5, 2014. Blogfinger photo
OG secret garden
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Did it ever occur to you that most of the events in town are mainly for tourists? What do we do to provide events specifically for Grovers?
Yes there is a town-wide picnic scheduled for July 18, but I’ve been thinking about OG secret gardens for some time. We have gardeners in town who have created the most amazing floral and vegetative displays as they have overcome the challenges of small spaces.
But if a tree falls in a forest does it make a sound? The same sort of question evolves from gardens—-miracles of nature—- that no one besides the homeowner gets to see. Is the visual impact as marvelous as when many people get to witness those fragile displays that peak in June in our town?
Why not let neighbors from anywhere in the Grove come visit your garden on one special morning? I raised this idea up the flagpole a couple of years ago, and we got a few positive responses, but never actually tried it. Grovers can bring their friends, and outsiders who hear about it can come. (We won’t advertise except on Blogfinger)
So here’s the suggestion: On Saturday June 14, a date when gardens should look great, let’s have the People’s Garden tour from 9 am-1 pm. To participate, all you need to do is give me your first name (s) and your address. Then, whether 2 people or 20 people show up, you can have the pleasure of sharing your garden’s treasures. I will post the participating gardens during the week of June 7.
I know it’s short notice, but this is a funky idea, such as those popularized recently by Tom Costantino in a comment on BF where he extolled the virtues of quirkiness and character in our town.
And even if only a few gardens sign up, that will be OK for starters. Eileen and I will do it, and I bet some people show up to see the results of her hard work. Fear of failure is not an option as we try, as Ken Buckley often suggests, to make OG a better place.
FRANKIE RANDALL (Ok, the month of May is over, but what the heck. Make believe he’s singing about June) And oh, Frankie Randall was born in Passaic, NJ—in January.
COUNT MY GARDEN IN./ ANITA MEEKS 92 B’WAY….ENJOY PENNA & B’WAY VIEWS!
Editor’s note: Thank you Anita. I love the way our fledgling group of gardeners are providing their full names—they must be proud of their work. —Paul
My peonies are almost done. But in for the tour as a location. Walk on by! Front of 71 1/2 Franklin.
Thanks Phil for joining this merry band. I saw some peonies today in the Grove that are still erect. I have a photo.
Paul: I’m in for the garden tour. Unfortunately I’ll be between bloom periods: the roses and clematis will be finished, and the daylilies won’t have yet started. But there will be something blooming.
Any time you visit a garden in England, the owner always tells you one of two things: “You should have seen it last week,” or “It will be really good next week.”.
This will be fun. We’re looking forward to participating. Let’s hope it’s a pretty day.
Charlotte
Editor’s note: Charlotte’s garden is amazing, and she loves to educate other gardeners. The tour can be a great educational experience. Thanks Charlotte—we now are three.
Thanks David for being our first volunteer. Others can send me their information via email to Blogfinger@verizon.net. I will set up a page for the event as I did for the Townwide Yard Sale. There we can all keep track of the garden locations. Paul
I’d participate but my personal garden is in Bradley even though I live in OG (apartment dweller). I’ll check out some of the gardens. Maybe i can offer some plants/cuttings.
Roger: Yes, definitely. Gardeners love to talk about their work.
Discovery of new plants, discussions of plant care and tools. Wonderful idea, and very useful for gardeners.
David Philo, 58 Lake Ave. Front yard faces Lake, can walk thru to Asbury Ave at rear. Garden on both sides. Thanks
Davis: GReat! You will go down in history as the first volunteer. But I need your names and address (Blogfinger@verizon.net)
Thank you. As for next year—-I love the enthusiasm, but let’s get this out of the starting gate. Paul
Great idea, count us in. Could this lead to a plant swap next year? A Garden Club?