Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Bringing together gardeners and artists, the Little Gardens Club of Atlantic City held its 24th garden tour on Sunday, July 9. Though gardeners never mind a little rain, fortunately the impending storm held off, giving a very warm welcome to garden tour guests. Venturing into hidden backyards, visitors were allowed a sneak peek into secret gardens throughout the Shore Local area. Nine uniquely different gardens were featured, including Linwood Arboretum.
While some of the gardeners originally fell in love with their properties because of the existing mature natural features of the land, others started with blank canvases. This year’s tour told the story of leaning into the changes nature brought and beautifying a garden in flux. Both natural and personal storms were a big part of the story, as mighty oaks had fallen, gardeners created beauty out of loss, adapting to the constant change of land and family.
Years ago, mother-daughter gardening team Carolyn and Karen Maltz lost eleven oak trees from storms. But with hard work and perseverance, they turned the blank slate into a sanctuary for themselves and nature. Karen applied different types of art media to their garden to make interesting and unique creations. The most visual project is her acrylic sea turtle and painted rock stream, complete with colorful koi.
Donna and Joe Gollotto brought their garden back to life after straight line winds from the 2012 derecho caused five trees to fall on their property. When looking at their lovely garden now, you would never guess it had seen so much destruction. A focal point of the garden is the “Peace” tree carved from a black walnut tree that had to come down. Sadly, Joe passed away but his memory lives on with the carved family tree that includes the couple’s children and ten grandchildren.
Both artists in their own right, Bob and Betsy Naumchik created a garden that is a visual feast and a wildlife paradise. In a tale of two gardens, both the front yard garden and back consist of various separate garden “rooms”. While large koi fish happily swim in the pond, guests can wander through the meandering paths. Sights and sounds of the artsy couple abound, from the display of Betsy’s beautiful watercolor artwork to stories of Bob’s latest musical gigs as a percussionist. Evidence of their artistic style can be seen throughout their property, revealing a love of nature and gardening. Both gardens are registered with the National Wildlife Organization.
Maria Orengo and Wally Percy fell in love with the property of their Reeds Farm home before the house itself. You wouldn’t realize when driving by this house that such an oasis awaits in the backyard. Beyond the pool, you can stroll around to enjoy a view of the Patcong Lake that combines with their garden as a natural habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and lakeside critters. Maria has perfected planting her pots every year with an assortment of flowers, using cannas as the focal point. Throughout the garden, they also have a variety of calla lilies. This stop of the garden tour had a special treat, with live music filling the air. Visitors to the garden enjoyed the soulful sound of the gifted musician and composer Gina Roché, as she sang and played guitar.
The Little Gardens Club of Atlantic City celebrated its 101st anniversary this year. One of the oldest garden clubs in our area, it was founded in 1922 by women who summered in Atlantic City. Most of the members at that time were coming from larger homes and gardens in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas. They considered their gardens at the shore their “little gardens”, thus the name. Proceeds from the tour are used to benefit civic and environmental causes and support community gardens and native plant education. If you missed this annual rain or shine event, be sure to mark your calendars for next year, as they always hold the tour the weekend after the Fourth of July.
Throughout the year, the Little Gardens Club hosts various events and bus tours. They also hold monthly meetings, hosting informative guest speakers. If you are interested in becoming a member of the club, contact Lynn Wood at: (609) 335-3313. Would you like to have your garden on the tour or want to recommend a garden for the next tour? If so contact Janet Longo at: (609) 226-6596.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
