My Neighbor’s Garden, May 2014 – by Kay Faught, Blue Door Garden Store

It began with a wind chime and bird feeder! Pam Wright moved here last August to her home on 8th Street to get away from “stucco condo” life in Orange County, California. Both she and her boyfriend Joe wanted to get away to a more relaxed life. Luckily, Joe had family ties here in town—it only took three visits before they’d found a rental home and were all moved-in! The first time Pam saw the house she says the yard was in-bloom with wisteria, bulbs, lavender, lilacs, and jasmine… and she fell in love.

Pam initially hired a landscaper to get things in-shape, as she was overwhelmed with the amount of work. But step-by-step, she started doing things herself. She began borrowing tools from neighbors and buying one new tool at a time and budgeting to buy the next item on her list. Today, instead of shopping sprees to the mall, she shops for weed-wackers, lawn mowers and hand tools…and loves it! We laughed about how our priorities change from purchasing a pair of new socks to a new tomato plant!

When I asked Pam why she gardened, she said, “I’ve never gardened before, but it just feels like a natural draw.” She loves staring at plants, and enjoys full color to fill her view! “I think there’s a connection to nature in us that is just undeniable!” For me, it’s fun to see this novice gardener enjoying new discoveries. I loved her comment, “I used to feel restless and bored, like I needed to go shopping or something, and now realize that is gone… gardening has filled a void.”

Pam’s only frustration was finding out about her drip irrigation system around the house, with its 8 zones. A neighbor offered input one day while watching Pam drag the water hose around. Within a short time, repairs had been made to the sprinkler system and now she loves hearing the water come on in the early morning—another new simple pleasure!

Pam is having a fun frolic in her garden—the patio is awash with bright colors. Re-purposing items from old pots and old wire plant stands, her pots became bright lime or yellow. A blue chair and bright solar lanterns add a “stay on the patio” touch! And, an old wire plant stand now laden with green moss makes the perfect bird bath for waiting birds.

Pam’s gardening goal is to dissect everything around her. She’s learning to tend to old roses, overcrowded bulbs and fence vines. All give her challenges and problems to learn from. She’s already built a planting box for her first veggie garden this year and is busy filling pots and planters with other trials and even trying-out seeds. Pam already has a favorite time in the garden—mid-day when she can work hard in the sun and get some exercise… and go barefoot in the grass!

Recently, Pam started her own personal training business called, “Fresh Air Fitness” as a means of escaping the corporate world. (Catch her column “Working Out-Doors” in the Review!) The new venture allows time to relish her new garden and the people and pace of Jacksonville. I’d say she’s chosen wisely and think she’s a great addition to our town. Good luck on your new discoveries with the garden…you’ll love it!

Kay Faught and Zoie

Kay Faught and Zoie

Kay is the owner of Blue Door Garden Store, located at 155 N 3rd, behind a big blue door. Specializing in garden gifts and décor, she also carries a wide variety of tools, gloves, and organic product.

Posted May 2, 2014