Document text
Garden of the Month: Varied garden enhanced by sculpture Photo by Larry RosengrenStacy Poole's garden on Ohio Street. Wednesday May 9, 2018 at 7:58 PM May 9, 2018 at 7:58 PM By Ruth SloanAshland Garden Club It’s such a pleasant surprise to discover the beautiful garden at 186 Ohio St. Although the house is on a flag lot, much of the garden is visible from the street or sidewalk. Stacy and Eric Poole own the property and have lived here with their two daughters (Allie and Aimee), a dog, cat and three chickens since 2001. It’s easy to find the property because of two large basalt pillars installed near the sidewalk by their friend, the stone sculptor Jesse Biesanz. This is the Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for May 2018. In fact, the Pooles have many talented friends who have added to the charming ambiance of the property. Metal sculptor Cheryl Garcia is a friend who helped Stacy with the original garden design and installation. There are numerous Garcia sculptural pieces throughout. Landscape designer and friend Jane Hardgrove has helped transform areas of the garden with her vision. Stacy averages two to five hours per week working in the garden but wishes she could spend more time. Vidal Cervantes has been helping with weeding and cleanup. Allie and Aimee enjoy spending time in the garden and help their mother realize changes. The garden has evolved as the children are growing up. The current trampoline replaced a swing set, and is likely to be replaced before long with a fire pit and seating area. Other areas of the landscape have been reworked in phases. Among Stacy’s favorite plants are the sunflowers of summer and Japanese maples. There are raised beds for vegetables, including lettuces, tomatoes and basil, and various kinds of berries abound. Tiny (less than 2 inches high) cyclamen catch the eye in March. Pleasant surprises are everywhere at all times of year. The Ashland Garden Club has been selecting Gardens of the Month, from April through September, since 2000. Nominations are gratefully received at [email protected]. Check out the club’s website at ashlandorgardenclub.wordpress.com or come to the June 4 meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the Community Center on Winburn Way. The program that day will concentrate on herbs. — Ruth Sloan is a member of the Ashland Garden Club.