A group of Ocean Grovers visit the Goldfinger garden on Mt. Hermon Way. Lemonade for the guests. Blogfinger photos.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
When Blogfinger organized the First Annual People’s Garden Tour, we weren’t sure if anyone would sign up or visit the event. But today, on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning in the Grove, we found out that we made a good choice. The 13 gardens were wonderful, and it was a happy, social occasion—a win-win for all involved.
Seamus McGuire feeds the pond fish in Eileen’s garden. Mom Jamie looks on. They are from Heck Avenue.Quite a few Grovers and a few folks from out of town visited the gardens. Charlotte Pritchard of Main Avenue told us that she had over 20 visitors. At our house on Mt. Hermon Way, we didn’t count, but there was a steady stream of enthusiastic gardening fans.
Many Grover guests said that they thought we had a “good idea” and some volunteered to participate next year. The idea of having a neighborly event seemed to resonate.
Cleo Boiko from Allenhurst loves the “friendly neighborhoods” in OG.The out-of -towners came in cars, on bicycles and on foot. We met people from Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the Sea, Allenhurst, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Interestingly, all those out-of -towners were already fans of Ocean Grove, eager to revisit our town. Perhaps we should encourage those FOG’s (Friends of the Grove) next year.
The head gardener at Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens on Main Avenue.The other bonus was that we got a lot of enthusiastic compliments for Blogfinger. One person told Eileen that she was a “celebrity.” Jeneba left a note: “Dear Mr. Blogfinger. You have a fan in Brooklyn! Love your Blog !!—and also a fan in Westwood—my sister Lolo. ”
A lot of our visitors were fascinated by our pond fish, including little Seamus from the westerly reaches of Heck Avenue. Our most popular plant was a honeysuckle that was surviving in the shade, even thought it is supposed to like sunshine.
Moe Demby, Blogfinger staff, finds a bee on a Honeysuckle vine at Mt. Hermon WayKaren Carroll of 115 Mt. Hermon Way got stuck in Dallas, but husband Tom carried on. Her passion flower was a big hit, although Tom thought it was putting too much pressure on him.
Nevada Munro from the Big Apple at the Mt. Tabor Way garden of Beverly (rear) and Melinda.
Everyone agreed that it was a good time, so let’s plan for the Second Annual OG People’s Garden Tour in 2015.
EYDIE GORME´
You still have a fan in Brooklyn!
Hello Paul,
I just wanted to thank you for organizing the O.G. garden tour. I had such a nice time talking to Eileen and all other home owners. I went on the tour to get ideas for planting along side of my house. Your gardens are beautiful and I love the fish pond. Eileen was telling me that the growth of roses on the arbor were very full at one time and she decided to cut them back. I’ve attached a picture of the pastel drawing my mother did of that arbor when it was full several years ago. I hope you both enjoy it.
I was very impressed with Charlotte’s garden on Main Ave. She told me about the history of how she established the garden and that her husband actually grew up in that house. I was also welcomed by a very happy poodle at one of the homes on Broadway. I thought that was an added bonus to the tour. I enjoyed speaking to your neighbor Tom as he sat in for his wife while she was on her way home from Texas. What a charming garden they have! I also came upon Sandy who was in the midst of a close encounter of the Jack kind…but, no luck at that point. I’m so glad to learn that he has since made his way back! All in all, I had an enjoyable and educational morning meeting with some very nice Ocean Grovers. I hope to add my home to the tour once my garden is more established.
Thanks again,
MaryLou
I had a wonderful time not only touring the gardens but talking with the master-gardeners. I spent so much talking and listening that I didn’t get to see all of the gardens! I also learned how delicious Cameo apples are thanks to Charlotte! Mia Mutascio