Set against the pristine white backdrop of their historic home, Ann and Al Jensen bring an abundant and colorful floral scheme to life at 306 East Park in Jefferson. “I love color and we incorporate that as much as we can into the outdoors,” Ann said.
Selected as the “Yard of the Month” for June by Jefferson Garden Club members, the Jensens’ landscape is bursting with bright planters and window boxes filled with geranium, petunias, gerber daisies, marigolds and more, all in peak bloom. Hanging baskets of Boston ferns gracefully adorn their broad front porch.
Built in 1904, their home had been the Presbyterian parsonage when they purchased it 38 years ago. They raised their two daughters, Katie and Sarah, there. Both girls attended Iowa State (and graduated there and elsewhere) and a nod to that allegiance can be seen in the cardinal and gold pillows on furniture in their sitting area north of the home.
A charming building (too cute to call a “shed”) complete with window boxes filled with more colorful flowers can be seen on the north side of the home. A planting ring around the large shade tree is host to another beautiful array of blooms. Mature hostas line the north side of the garage.
Ann retired three years ago after a 40-year career as a high school English teacher at Coon Rapids-Bayard school district. Al worked for years in the county auditor’s office and finished his courthouse career in the engineer’s office. Now, semi-retired, he cheerfully helps customers at ACE Hardware in Jefferson. In winter, the couple hangs wreaths in every one of the many windows of their home. ‘It’s quite lovely and worth driving by,” said Pat Rusnak of the Garden Club.
