A good neighbour is a welcome blessing.
That is certainly the case with the Powys-Libbes and the Lavoies - so much so that they have created a secret passageway between their two gardens. If my neighbour was the "tomato whisperer" I may be inclined to do the same.
I've had the pleasure of Reg and Marlene's acquaintance since their days teaching at Senator Riley Jr Sr High School and have visited their garden a number of times. I was so pleased to learn their garden would be one of the stops on this year's Garden Tour.
The Powys-Libbes are well known locally and internationally for their hybridized glads and dahlias but what people may not be aware of is their amazing collection of daylilies and asiatic lilies.
With a garden like theirs, you will always find something in bloom but the really spectacular show is in the Spring when Marlene’s daffodils are in bloom or mid Summer when the lilies strut their stuff, and of course, late Summer when the gladioli and dahlias are showing off.
Here are a few images from a couple of visits ago as these beauties just weren't quite ready for us in July.
Reg and Marlene are good neighbours to everyone in their area, generously sharing the fruits of their labour.
It could be intimidating being a gardener next door to the Powys-Libbes but I think the Lavoies are inspired by them and are in turn very generous with their talents and tomatoes.
Both Reg and Yvon were more than willing to talk about their gardens and answer any questions put to them.
All work and no play makes Reg a dull boy - but he is far from that. Perhaps helped along by his own 18 hole chip and putt course.
Credits:
C.J. Bennington Fine Art Photography