Welcome to the 7th Annual Garden Tour
Dear Garden Guests,
Thank you for supporting the Palace Theatres by sharing in this wonderful Garden Tour! The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit programs at the historic Palace Theatres, including our professional productions as well as our fantastic youth programs.
These lovely, stylistically and horticulturally diverse gardens are true creations of love and inspiration- some decades in the making, others just a few years old. Today, you’re invited to enjoy an up-close, behind-thegates look at a wide variety of landscapes. Whether you are an experienced gardener, just getting started, or simply enjoy the beauty of floriculture, we hope these unique locations spark inspiration for your own green space.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who generously participated, especially our sponsors: Demers Garden Center, Eastern Bank/Cambridge Trust, Jacques Flowers, and New Hampshire Home.
Special appreciation goes to Elinor Terrell, Fiona McKenna, Pauline Bogaert, and Winnie Schmidt from the Manchester Garden Club for giving their time, talent, and energy to the Garden Tour Committee.
And finally, a huge shout of thanks to the kind and creative garden owners who graciously opened their beautiful spaces for us to enjoy!
Once again, we are so grateful for your support. Enjoy the tour!
Debbie Benton
David & Denise Chabot
Susan Confalone
Diane Holmes
Marty Livesay
Stuart Mills
Maria Mongan
Heather Robinson & Eric Esposito
Elinor Terrill
Friends of Wagner Park
All the Wonderful Volunteers
Tour Etiquette:
As gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners, proper garden tour etiquette is kindly requested. Please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the event is a success and enjoyable for all!
● Many areas do not have even footing. Be cautious and watch your step.
● Please show your wristband to tour volunteers to gain entry into each garden.
● Homes are closed to the public. No public restrooms.
● When parking, please be sensitive to garden neighbors.
● We know you love your pets, but please leave them at home.
● Smoking (tobacco, electric cigarettes, vape, etc.) is not permitted in the gardens.
● Plants prefer not to be crushed. Kindly remain on paths and follow directions through the gardens as indicated by the volunteers.
● Refrain from touching, picking plants, or removing any part of a plant (even if it’s a weed)!
● Photography should be for personal use only.
● The gardener is letting you into their work and creation, compliments are welcome as there is always something amazing to find in any garden!
● Most importantly, have fun and be inspired!
GOOD INSPIRES
Eastern Bank is committed to recognizing the good in our communities and celebrating the work of the
PALACE THEATRES
We proudly support the 7TH ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR
Tour Stops
Gardens are open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
FEATURED GARDENS
415 N Bend Dr
51 Langan Dr (Goffstown)
802 Maple St
242 Myrtle St (Wagner Park aka “Pretty Park”)
103 Hubbard St
558 Concord St
665 S Main St (Park on Ann Ave or Erie St)
263 Kenberma St
Gardens may be toured in any order!
SPECIAL STOP
Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop - 815 Chestnut St. Show your wristband for a free yummy treat! No public restrooms available.
We are so pleased to highlight these beautiful gardens! As you enjoy the tour, we hope you’ll also take a moment to appreciate the other lovely gardens, yards, and homes you pass along the way. Our community takes great pride in Manchester-and that pride blossoms everywhere you look, enriching life for us all!
DISCLAIMER
By participating in the tour, you acknowledge that these activities carry inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, slipping, tripping, and exposure to plants and wildlife. You are voluntarily participating in the event and assume full responsibility for any risks of injury, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of your participation.
YOU ARE HERE
802 Maple Street
Marty’s “American 250” Garden Gardens are dynamic. I look forward each spring to creating a refreshed design in my garden that adds curiosity, color and surprise that stirs my emotions and senses. The theme this year for my garden is “Americana 250”. Inspired by Palace Theatre Garden Tour. Visitors will see American theme display on my fence to guide their eye up the wall and down into the garden. Hidden pots of plants are intended to peak your curiosity, and stir excitement when it is discovered. The variety of colors such as red, white, yellow, blue and purple plants enhance our visual senses in celebration of the United States 250 years.
My gardens has 3 zones. Shade, partial shade with partial sun, and full sun.
The shade garden is a forest garden that lives between my garage and 150 year old oak tree. The plants that grow there existed from prior property owners. Visitors will see Ferns, variety of hosta, and a few native plants.
The partial shade with partial sun garden resides on the south side of my house which contains hellebore, hosta, coral bell, Japanese maple, bleeding heart and decorative annual plants.
The full sun displays in the front of my house will be annuals, perennial plants and ground cover. The garden designs is intended to pay respect to our nation, the flag and all those who have defended this great nation. The annual white, red and blue plants are representing our national flag as a ribbon across my garden.
All are welcome and please enjoy my garden!
665 S Main Street
Park on Ann Ave or Erie St
I bought my house in December of 1978. My father thought I was crazy. All he saw was an old house that needed work, and the land adjacent to the house was a huge empty hole. The previous owner had removed every tree and shrub on the property. It was barren. I saw potential. It took 37 truckloads of fill, which my father brought to my house. It was rich with clay. I would fill my “tiny tot” wagon spilling and spreading it over, until the 50 x 100 yard was level. Purchasing trees and shrubs in small containers was the beginning and it grew from there. I found my passion. Forty-six years later, I still live in my house, which is on a corner to the next corner. Passersby on foot or car are able to appreciate my oasis so close to the road and frequently comment or honk. My garden is a labor of love and my peaceful place. I hope you enjoy your tour!
51 Langan Drive (Goffstown)
My garden is a collector’s garden filled with many varieties of both sun and shade perennials, and over 200 varieties of shrubs and trees. A frequent comment of visitors to the garden is “I have never seen that plant before.”
Included are a slope garden, Japanese maple garden, birch grove, cottage garden, shade gardens, tree and shrub beds, daylily bed, plus stonework including a large stone staircase, and beautiful lawns that set off the garden beds. A farmer’s porch and two patios provide relaxing areas to lounge.
Now that the existing gardens are mature, I have grand plans to expand further into our two-acre property. In the meantime I have been enjoying decorating the garden, especially with glass and mosaic. Some pieces were purchased or gifted, while many others were created by me during the winter seasons.
I hope you enjoy your visit and discover some great ideas, plants and garden art. It’s always a pleasure to have visitors to my garden. Welcome!
415 N Bend Drive
We purchased this home in the spring of 1985. It was tired, had overgrown shrubbery and little landscaping. The lot was 125 x 100 and behind the property was heavily wooded land with eighty years of leaves, owned by a neighbor.
We installed the white vinyl fence on the west side of the property to provide privacy. Over time a wooden deck was added along with a patio off it. The tall rhododendrons were part of the existing property and not only provide additional privacy but are lovely with their vibrant color. A shed was added along with mountain laurel bushes and other landscaping to frame it, with a backdrop of the wooded landscape.
In 1994 the house was enlarged and a front flower bed with lamp post was created. The existing large evergreen shrubs were replaced with the current front landscaping. Over time on the west side of the property, a white pergola with side fencing was installed to create an entrance to the backyard. The planting of daylilies and other flowers made the area colorful.
In 2019, we purchased the wooded land behind our property. Backhoes were used to remove the several feet deep of leaves that had accumulated. Forty plus trees were cut down and the land was excavated. The wooden shed was moved to the back of the new property. A lawn was planted with irrigation system installed to provide water to this new area. In the first year only seven trees were planted along the perimeter as winter was quickly approaching.
Having retired at an age where one still has plenty of energy and never had time nor knowledge of gardening due to work requirements, I used this opportunity to embark on learning a new hobby, gardening. Before, the only gardening I did was filling the front planters by the side entrance. I started slowly by developing a few flower beds on the perimeter with a few shrubs, a few hostas and hydrangeas. Year after year, I learned and am still learning about new plants and their requirements. On the hill on the east side, I planted drift roses of various colors and a variety of different hostas to add diversity. I am slowly adding color to the hill with new plants of perennials and annuals. Tulips, daffodils and alliums are seen in the spring with their vibrant colors.
Divided hostas, corabelles, daylilies and sedum continue to be added to the area facing Kearney Circle. I am always looking to improve areas and add interesting new plants as the property continues to evolve. Outdoor lighting was recently added to the pergola area, under the Japanese maple tree and along the patio perimeter.
Going out to the backyard early in the morning to garden has become a relaxing hobby and quite different from my past working life. I am always looking for new ideas to incorporate
263 Kenberma Street
Welcome to the South End of Manchester. My wife and I moved into our home 39 years ago as newlyweds, settling into what was then a newly built house. Originally intended to be our starter home, we never imagined it would become the place where we would raise our family and eventually enjoy retirement.
Our lot measures just 40 by 80 feet, with the house and driveway occupying much of the space. When we purchased the property, the driveway extended behind the house. Through an approved city easement, we were able to expand the home by adding a basement and first-floor, all-season addition. In the process, we removed much of the pavement and created the space you see today: a deck, shed, water garden, and dedicated planting and storage area. Four years ago, we refreshed the exterior with new siding, Trex decking, and a freshly painted front door.
As an avid gardener who spent 41 years working in the horticultural industry, transforming this very small patch of earth has been both a joy and a challenge. I have worked to maximize every available growing space. There is no strict rhyme or reason to my garden design. I often let the plants make the decisions.
As you begin the tour, you may notice that unlike the surrounding neighborhood, our front yard has no grass. I have chosen groundcover instead of turf, eliminating the need to mow. In spring, daffodils emerge through the greenery, accompanied by spirea and hydrangea plantings. In keeping with this year’s “Red, White and Blooms” garden tour theme, you’ll also see a knockout rose standard, blue salvia, and potted trailing lantana.
Over the years, I have learned valuable lessons about plant selection. While I adore European ginger and can manage pachysandra, I regret introducing ostrich fern and English ivy; beautiful plants, but far too invasive for a small space and a constant battle to contain. Because our growing season is short, I rely heavily on annuals to provide lasting color, planting them in pots, baskets, and garden beds.
Throughout the garden are five memorial trees planted in honor of loved ones who have passed. Their growth was initially slow, but after the removal of several large neighboring trees, sunlight now pours into both the front and backyard spaces.
Privacy matters when living on a city street, so you’ll notice mature holly bushes and modified fence planters filled with cannas, begonias, and lamium. When our first granddaughter was born, I began a fairy garden near the water feature. On the deck, some of my favorite evergreens thrive in containers.
Decorative suns throughout the garden reflect memories of travels to Mexico and the American Southwest. I enjoy repurposing and making the most of what I have: old decking, whiskey barrel rings, wash bins, and even branches from my beech tree are reused for plant supports and fencing. Composting is a year-round project that helps keep my vegetable garden productive.
The ginkgo tree along the driveway provides beauty in every season. My favorite feature is the movement of its leaves in the breeze, followed by brilliant yellow foliage in the fall and striking bark throughout the winter months.
Like all gardeners, I have faced my share of challenges with wildlife, especially rabbits. Curious to discover which annuals are truly rabbit-resistant, I created a small trial garden bed with the help of my driveway-side neighbors and my employer. At the time of this writing, the results have been promising, with no rabbit damage reported.
My only wish is that you take your time as you walk through the garden. Though the yard is small, there is much to discover, and I encourage you to make a second round as you may notice something you missed the first time. Please say hello to Diamond, our cat, and her catio, and feel free to ask me any plant questions.
Thank you to the Palace for providing this wonderful opportunity.
242 Myrtle Street
Wagner Park aka “Pretty Park”
Wagner Park, nicknamed “Pretty Park” is a serene outdoor space nestled in the heart of Manchester, NH, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature and unwind. The park provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, and relaxation amidst lush greenery and scenic views.
With well-maintained walking paths and open green spaces, Wagner Park invites guests to connect with the natural surroundings and find solace in the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether seeking a quiet escape or a place to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons, this park offers a welcoming environment for all to explore and appreciate.
103 Hubbard Street
Welcome to the Terrell Gardens. Our gardening began in 2015, a year and a half after we moved into our 1895 Four Square house. The yard had lilacs, rhododendrons and a million Tigerlily’s plus a front yard that dangerously sloped down to the street. I, a retired violinist, moved from Virginia and my husband, John, was raised on a dairy farm in Nashua. I had never gardened and John had grown everything. Together we meshed our wish lists into what you see today.
Yes, we did everything ourselves. Except for the irrigation system, we planted and placed every stone, plant, and tree except for the exceptionally large rhododendron, our beautiful maple, and the old lilacs. We thought we were in our 30’s and millionaires when we started.
Our home is surrounded on all four sides by shade and sun garden beds. The stella magnolia trees welcome guests at both the front and kitchen doors. We designed some parts and others just grew naturally in place. The gardens have changed each year by plant growth and by need when our “idea” did not gel. Unfortunately, rabbits devastated our rosebushes this past winter, so you are seeing all new growth. Last year the canes reached 6 feet high on our climbers. However, the roses have responded well to the aggressive pruning that was needed. Our pear tree and the tulip magnolia were so damaged that they might die by fall even though they were flowering this spring.
Gardens are an ever-evolving part of a home. As gardeners, we must face what mother nature gives us especially with rabbits. We hope you enjoy our gardens as much as we do and have been inspired by them as well.
558 Concord Street
Nine years ago, 558 Concord St looked a lot less like a garden destination and a lot more like a challenge. The yard was packed with wild trees, tangled vines, and invasive plants that seemed determined to take over. Heather and Eric saw something different: potential. Little by little, they cleared, planted, experimented, and turned that overgrown space into a haven for pollinators and wildlife in the heart of downtown Manchester.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, this year’s garden carries a playful “Red, White & Bloom” theme—a celebration of resilience, renewal, and the beauty of things that keep growing, even when nature has other plans.
It all started in 2017 with a whimsical picket fence that just screamed for roses, plus a snug 4’x6’ pollinator garden. Since then, Heather and Eric have become garden experimenters, trying out various veggies and perennials while ruthlessly evicting junk trees and invasive species to make room for new plant pals, focusing mainly on native species.
This year, however, the garden is also telling a comeback story. After losing a number of their beloved roses to hungry rabbits over the winter, Heather and Eric are reimagining parts of the garden with fresh plantings, new color, and plenty of optimism. While the roses may be fewer this season, the spirit of the garden is still very much in full bloom.
Nowadays, their property boasts eight distinct gardens, each with its own personality. About a third of their plants were gifted by friends and family—irises from Heather’s Nana, hops and garden statues from her mom, and countless perennials from friends with overly generous gardens needing “thinning out.” These gardens aren’t just eye candy; they’re living, breathing tributes to cherished connections, creative reinvention, and the joy of watching something evolve year after year.
For Heather and Eric, the best part of the garden isn’t just planting it — it’s slowing down enough to enjoy it. From the back porch, favorite beverage in hand, they get a front-row seat to the daily show: bees making the rounds, butterflies drifting by,
hummingbirds stopping in, and birds hopping from one garden nook to the next. The yard has become a welcoming retreat for wildlife, with butterfly puddlers, birdbaths, hummingbird feeders, bee houses, and plenty of birdhouses tucked throughout. One especially meaningful piece is a birdbath handmade by Eric’s mother, adding a personal touch to the garden’s ever-growing story.
Their spirit of experimentation is still going strong, too. This year, they’re growing luffa for the second year in a row — another fun, unexpected addition that brings even more variety and personality to the garden.
Proudly certified “Pollinator Friendly” by the University of Maine and the New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, the garden fulfills Heather’s dream of properly supporting caterpillars, butterflies, and bees. Visitors are invited to stroll through the Red, White & Bloom gardens, ask questions, and enjoy an ever-changing space where history, humor, wildlife, and a little rabbit-proof determination all grow together.
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