In the Garden: a natural oasis

In the Garden

gardens: a natural oasis at all times

By tina will

photos by Lone Tabor

The residents at Falls Run Community in Stafford County continue to enjoy the garden known as 'Nature ' s Oasis. ' (above) Five years ago, it was newly under the care of Master Gardener (MG) Mary Henderson. MG Nancy Bevilaqua took over for Mary and, four years on, she and her crew of ten weed and care for the garden every two weeks. The theme continues to be fitting: flowers and seeds have attracted, supported, and fed many pollinators, and songbirds continue to make their nests there, hatching and fledging their young.

Nancy's favorite flower is, by her admission, 'whatever is in bloom.' I love a practical answer! And really, that is the mark of this successful garden because there is always something lovely to enjoy. There is also the help and encouragement of the crew of 10 (they call themselves 'the Grunts') who continue to maintain the garden. Appreciative residents come to its central location to sit, stroll through, notice, contemplate, and enjoy whatever is in bloom or seed at the time. Herbs are a big part of the offerings, too, and Nancy is grateful for their reliability. Constant questions of what is growing there are answered by the gardeners, or a brochure that resides near the bench (and no one has taken it away!). The most difficult challenge seems to be in early Spring when the bunnies find the new growth emerging. It's delicious to them, but they must be deterred, so some netting has helped prevent too much nibbling.

Fortunately, Nancy and others had taken pictures at opportune times. Shown here is the hybrid Hibiscus 'Lord Baltimore' in its glory near the center of the garden, and another picture of the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly(photo right) on the native (not invasive) Milkweed aka Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). A week later the garden and those beautiful flowers were badly beaten by the 'derecho like' storm that roared down Rte 17 and then veered off to the Truslow Rd. area. This garden took a hit, but not nearly as badly as other neighborhoods. But plants are resilient, and the thoughtful and caring crew at Falls Run will see that their garden recovers.

Cedell Brooks Jr. Native Plant Demonstration Garden in King George, VA continues to get rave reviews. Master Gardeners are pleased to talk to, and are encouraged by, visitors who ask questions or just express admiration and appreciation. Encouraging words really help our MGs to carry on, even when weeding isn't a fun task.

Widewater State Park' s Native Plant Demonstration Garden has been started, but needs some time to establish and get signs added. MG Beth Daly has worked with fellow MGs Mary Ellen Green and Alvin Calhoun to share the extra native plants from the Cedell Brooks Jr. Garden. State Park personnel are helping too, and we are grateful!

These gardens encourage all to learn about native plants, to get new ideas for their own gardens, and to enjoy the intricate beauty and variety of the natural world. Find your favorite, and share what you learn.

photos by Tina Will

photos by Nancy Bevilaqua

Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 17 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County.