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City companions by Melissa McCann
When the Blyths purchased their Tonawanda house from Linda's grandfather twenty-five years ago, they inherited traditional square beds, with vegetables and flowers grown separately and in straight rows. “That was my grandfather's notion,” Linda says, “but we threw out all those old rules.” As the Blyths expanded and amended the garden, they also experimented and quickly realized that vegetables were not only practical, but attractive. Tall corn plants make terrific privacy screens, while pumpkin plants serve as appealing ground cover. As the plot grew and changed, so did Brian's vision for a more flowing, blended garden. If the vegetables and flowers are complementary plants, Linda and Brian are complementary gardeners who have harmoniously combined their respective talents. She, a retired dancer, primarily tends to the flowers, and he, a retired shop supervisor, minds the vegetables. Neither will lay claim to a greener thumb, and Brian is quick to point out that the project is a joint effort. His imaginative bent is responsible for the two natural-looking ponds, a gazebo affectionately named “Casa Loca” (so named for Brian's crazy schemes and garden ideas), as well as several outbuildings designed to feel as though they've been there for ages. And Linda's vital role? “She keeps me in check,” Brian smiles, as Linda laughingly explains that she tends and prunes all the beds, and plants the annual flowers. They both plant the annual vegetables; pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, onions, leeks, garlic, and corn are among the best producers. In the off-season, Brian likes to browse seed catalogs for inspiration; this year, he grew brussel sprouts for the first time. Because the Blyths are careful to grow only what they can eat, only about a third of their plot is given to vegetables. They're allowed to take the space they need, and flowers are planted to fit between them, or along the garden's edges. The key to the flowers—which include lantana, passion flowers, fuchsia, flowering maples, and pussy willows—especially as the Blyths get older, is simplicity. Many are perennials, or plants that self-seed; if they do plant annuals, they're unusual varieties not found in local nurseries. One thing Brian, a long-time garden lover and the grandson of a Welland, Ontario strawberry farmer, has discovered is the value of “trap crops.” For example, potato beetles prefer Chinese Lanterns over potato plants, so when the two are planted side-by-side, beetles generally leave the potatoes alone. The Blyths don't sell their flowers, preferring to remain hobbyists who enjoy the floral beauty. In the winter, Linda cans and freezes (including fifty-six quarts of “V7” juice, Brian's favorite) or work in one of the two greenhouses they've added over the years. The greenhouses exist not just for overwintering and seed starting, but also to service a small side business. “We sell unusual bedding plants, so we can afford our gardening habit,” explains Brian, who's already thinking about more fencing, perhaps some trellises to grow grapes. “It's a work in progress and ever-changing. I always have plans; I just need to convince Linda.” Melissa McCann recently moved to East Aurora from Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening with her two young sons and learning about the diversity of plants she can grow. Garden Variety: Pretty as a picture click here Garden Variety: Passion and profit click here Garden Variety: Otherworldy delights click here Garden Variety: Daylily tripper click here |
