×
×
homepage logo

Gardening in a small town

By Kristi Hendricks - Garden Inspirations | Jun 9, 2023

There is a marked charm that comes with gardening in a small town. It may be the towering iris, cheerful Nippon daisy or pumpkin seed swapping with friends on your street. Or perhaps it’s the bag of bright yellow squash straddling your mailbox, picked fresh from your neighbor’s veggie patch that morning. Or could it be that you are acquainted with practically everyone at the farmers market, where you do more talking than buying.

Chance encounters recast small towns into endearing garden spots, often tucked away in alluring locations offering stunning views of significant waterways. Only in such places can you have lively garden parties celebrating memorable family milestones, while taking in the beauty of lavender, marigolds, impatiens and blue mist ageratum. Yes, more flowering vignettes to follow.

Tales of the old country, pesky garden critters and lively current events discussions come free with the plants at local nurseries. With regards to plant care, ask for recommendations about placement in sun or shade and with moist or dry conditions. Listen closely to instructions if the plant blooms on old or new wood and advice for pruning if in spring or autumn. Regardless, don’t miss the twinkle of the amused eyes under the brimmed hat, when chatting about plant care.

Dedicated gardeners work diligently to refresh a quaint old town that continues its journey into vibrant revitalization, while celebrating its colorful history. All around town, containers brimming with waving petunias, waxy begonias and draping verbena brighten up sidewalks, government buildings and historical sites. A garden tour introduces guests to new cultivars and traditional plantings, while offering closeup views of unique architecture and amusing lawn art.

A pollinator garden is established at a local library, while formal picturesque beds are maintained at the local university for significant learning events. The postal carrier waves and comments about the mailbox garden and the weather forecast. And a church welcomes newcomers with a calming water garden, featuring cascading pools of colorful fish and croaking frogs.

It’s easy to be awestruck with that feeling of small town gardening and those that contribute to its care, survival and four season beauty. This atmosphere is available to create, even in the oldest of towns, with a little volunteer effort and good folks hoping that you will put down roots of your own.

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.