Continuous color from spring to fall distinguishes the flower garden of Donna and Cliff Smith, homeowners of the Jefferson Garden Club’s July yard of the month selection. Since 2009, when the Smiths built the home at 206 Briarwood Bend in Jefferson, Donna has made perennial flower selections that would bloom in succession throughout the spring, summer and fall. As perennials, the plants return to the garden every year and become more prolific as they mature.
A stately hydrangea and large burning bush anchor the garden while flanking the front entrance. The bushes are surrounded by roses, daylilies, peonies, purple clematis, salvia and spirea along with several hosta varieties and other plants. Since the plants are established and mature, blooms are plentiful. Birds have even “planted” volunteer snapdragons to add to the color. Several garden art pieces and a birdhouse add whimsy and charm to the garden.
Planters of geraniums and petunias that were gifts receive extra special care. Donna takes them into the garage each night to spare them from being nibbled by visiting deer. She wants to keep the planter going through the summer and the deer find them too attractive to pass up.
Foundation plantings grace the north side of the home. A relatively new ornamental pear tree and flowering crab tree were positioned in the lawn at the front of the home and a new oak tree was recently planted on the northeast corner of the home. As farmers, the Smiths grow crops for a living but they have put as much thought into creating a colorful home garden as well.
