The Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Cub ladies enjoyed a plethora of amazing flowers during the summer months. Pictured at the Reese residence in Dunkirk, left to right: Lucy Hurley, Mary Reese, Barb Joy, Nancy Kohler.
In June, under the direction of Christy Muck, the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club visited the Wild Blossom Hollow in Forestville. It is listed as a floriculture design studio and boutique retail space, built on the love of flowers. They enjoyed row upon row of gorgeous flowers and even toured the greenhouse used for special varieties.
Then in July, the ladies beat a predicted storm warning and enjoyed the fabulous gardens of Mary and Steve Reese on Dove Street in Dunkirk. The Reese team have been gardening in this constantly evolving gardening wonder for 37 years. They are well-known for their volunteer work in beautifying Dunkirk and for sharing their excess plantings free of charge to interested gardeners.
Having visited the Reese gardens, about 10 years previously, the writer and friends marveled at the beautiful explosion of flowers and greenery. As the plantings grew, new areas needed to be planted and developed. The front lawn was replaced by a fenced-in fruit and vegetable garden. Here thornless blackberries cascaded over the fence, strawberries, 6 foot tomato plants, beans and squash and other veggies grew.
A very welcome resting area — chair and patio — offered a perfect spot to sit in wonder at the size and variety of the plants.
Sunny yellow coreopsis, red and purple cone flowers, black-eyed Susans, purple phlox, bright helenium and majestic plants of red lucifer crocosmia brightened the sunny roadside flower beds.
Hostas of every variety filled the flower beds. Lime green, blue green and striped green and white hostas were seen — some plants 6 feet in width. Flowering hydrangea in pink and blue were abundantly growing.
Continuing along the sidewalk on the side of the home, flower beds filled every bit of the wood-chipped space with healthy, trimmed plant specimens. The spring and early summer blooming plants were neatly trimmed, dead-headed and in some cases divided. Ferns, phlox and obedience plants led the club to the rear of the stately two-story home.
There they were joined by Ernie — the fluffy black and gray family cat. A large, rustic, metal sheep and a strutting, metal rooster found cozy areas to enjoy the garden. The garden decor were gifts from Steve’s mom in Wisconsin. Several garden plants were also handed down by family members.
The Reese couple believe in the value of composting. Several bins were evident. Two-gallon jugs, filled with rain water collected in two rain barrels, were stored near the gardening shed. They are used to water the volunteer gardens located on corners in Dunkirk.
Behind the home, a fabulous, huge maple tree offered welcome shade. A sunny yellow and orange table covering graced the table under the tree. A variety of comfortable chairs welcomed the group. Iced tea and flavored water was enjoyed.
Past the resting area, another sunny flower bed was located. The only annuals were perched in a granite urn near the back driveway. Fuchsia petunias and yellow wax begonias filled the urn.
Blue, prickly globe thistle, white and purple phlox, 5 feet tall, yellow yarrow, rust-colored daisies and 8 foot tall white wispy bugbane got a lot of attention.
The Reese gardens do not get invaded by deer — as many area gardens do. They do have a pesty woodchuck that lives under their porch. They also fight Japanese beetles with soapy water –and by picking them off of plants by hand.
The Reese couple have made gardening a full-time past-time. They share their efforts, extra plants and expertise with the community. One of their latest projects is to beautify the area around the Boardwalk sign at the Pier with Stella D’oro lilies, hostas, phlox and snapdragons. They continue to assist volunteers with 17 corner gardens.
The next meeting was to be a floral creation sharing evening at the home of Penny Deakin.