The bank of coral bells which caused me to stop.
I have watched from afar as Gary and Gloria Jones’ gardens developed over the past ten years. Several weeks ago, as I drove past, I noticed a bank of new plantings—lush, healthy coral bells—roadside, in front of their chain link fence. I love coral bells—we have several varieties in our garden—and I knew I just had to stop.
Gary was out mowing, and I circled around the block, pulled into their driveway and stepped out of the car. I introduced myself, gave Gary my best “so nice to meet you smile” and handed him my business card. I wasn’t sure how I would be received: I wasn’t selling anything, I just wanted to learn and share this gardening story.
Gary, ever kind and gracious, invited me into their backyard, gave me a brief tour, and arranged a time to come back for photos and an interview once the gardens were in late-June-glory.
Gary and Gloria gave me the official tour on the morning of June 17, before the predicted 2-3 inches of rain and the good chance of losing many blossoms and photo opportunities.
This July, the two will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. They are both Vicksburg High School graduates and moved into their home in Vicksburg over 40 years ago. Gloria worked for Edwards Garment Company and Gary worked for Simpson/Fox River until the mill closed, eventually retiring from IAC in Mendon.
Gloria always wanted a garden. Gary responded, “After I retire, we’ll have a garden.” The couple retired 11 years ago, and Gloria got her wish. Boy, did she!
The original garden started in the northeast corner of their back yard, and each year the space in their yard dedicated to gardens has grown. Today, the gardens stretch around their fencelines, gently sloping into the yard. Also featured are several island beds.
The design and plants are unique and exquisite, including many varieties of cone flowers, Asiatic lilies, day lilies, grasses, sedums, and ornamental shrubs and bushes. There were colors and varieties of many plants I had never seen before, and the visual surprises, a kaleidoscope of color, went on and on.
The layout is carefully planned, and the plants are clearly labeled, photographed and documented. They select mostly native plants and encourage pollinators.
They buy their plants locally, the majority from Prudential Nursery, but they also visit other nurseries and greenhouses, including Key Blooms, Wedels, and Romence. They occasionally buy bulbs from Michigan Bulb and Brecks. Gary also finds the website “The Spruce” helpful and informative regarding plants and gardens.
They use no pesticides and limit purchased fertilizers. In the fall, they chop their leaves, creating a delicate mulch, rich in nitrogen, for their plantings. What about insects? How about those pesky, destructive Japanese beetles? “You need to catch the scouts. If you can do that, they aren’t a problem,” Gary said.
So how do they do that? Gary and Gloria are in their garden daily. They both enjoy the many hours outdoors. They pick off insects. They weed, trim, deadhead. Their dedication pays off: Their plantings are disease-free and thriving.
We circled the gardens, and the couple introduced their favorite flowers to me as if they were special friends, pointing out unusual blossoms, stunning colors, exquisite fragrance. They delight in feeding the birds and have named many of the squirrels which come for the peanuts Gary tosses them. I could have stayed for hours.
One of the island beds in Gary and Gloria’s gardens.
I left that day feeling at peace. Inspired. Rejuvenated. Beautiful gardens don’t just happen. They are the result of hard work. Persistence. They are a constant commitment. Through the years, Gary and Gloria have created – and continue to create – their own slice of heaven.
I appreciate their skills and hospitality and look forward to my next visit.
It’s a Fine Life
Gloria and Gary’s Gardening Tips
- Know the amount of sunlight garden areas receive to select the right plants.
- When purchasing plants, read the tags carefully for light, bloom time, size and spacing
- Divide and thin perennials to keep space around plants for air flow and better health
- If a plant isn’t thriving, try moving it
- Limit insecticides and use natural plants, when possible, to encourage pollinators
- Start small to see what you like and can manage.
