The gravel path invites visitors to stroll through the gardens, while red coneflowers welcome hungry birds and butterflies.
The gravel path invites visitors to stroll through the gardens, while red coneflowers welcome hungry birds and butterflies.
Summertime brings many visitors to the historic Phelps-Hatheway House, not just to enjoy the house itself, but to take a timeless stroll through the gardens, lovingly tended by volunteers from the Suffield Garden Club. “I love coming here in the early morning with the other volunteers,” said Club president Joyce Zein. “Each year the garden becomes more and more lush and beautiful, and it takes many hands to keep it looking its best.”
Lynn Mervosh, Phelps-Hatheway site administrator and Garden Club member, is equally enthusiastic about this year’s display. “Although the temperatures and humidity have been warm for the gardeners, the plants and trees are having their day in the sun — quite literally! Bees, butterflies, birds and bunnies seem to be happy and thriving.” The gardens are carefully planted with a variety of annuals and perennials to ensure there is ever-emerging color and fragrance from Spring through Fall.
Despite the tender, expert care, these gardens suffer some of the same ills we notice in our own yards, especially given how wet this year has been. “Unfortunately, the lilacs have struggled for a few years with a fungal disease, so we will most likely need to research a treatment, says Mervosh. “We try to use as many natural remedies as possible.”
You can visit the Phelps-Hatheway gardens at 55 South Main Street in Suffield. The Suffield Garden Club welcomes volunteers who love to dig in the dirt! To join, visit www.SuffieldGardenClub.org.