For our next garden feature, we have Lori Sammon, a 12-year Red Tail resident. The therapeutic effects of creating and nurturing plant life is what made her love for gardening blossom. She loves that it allows her to be creative with the changing seasons. For example, her perennials are designed with different seasonal bloom times, so there is always a colorful surprise waiting in the wings. 

Her absolute favorite flower in the garden, though, is the Hydrangea. The shrub comes in many varieties, so each flower has its unique color. Some bloom early, while others continue well into the fall, making them the perfect long-lasting flowers to bring beauty to your garden or even the vases on your kitchen counter. 

This was a fun year for Lori when deciding what flowers and plants to grow. She wanted her garden to be colorful and impressive for any golfer driving by hole number 8 right at the turn. Even though she lost some perennials due to the brutal winter, she was able to replace them, and her efforts did not go unnoticed. 

Her daily gardening routine consists of her sprinkler system working overtime! During the summer, her sprinklers are watering her pots, and for the ones it doesn’t reach, Lori is out there making sure they get their fair share. She also makes it a point, once a week, to pull any weeds that have popped up and deadhead the flowers to encourage new blooms. 

As an avid gardener, she’s learned to always consider the planting zone she lives in and recognize the importance of knowing which direction the plants should face. She used to struggle with a clematis facing southeast that starts off great, then shrivels up, but this year, she planted one facing northwest, and it’s thriving. Similarly, she read a book that really helped her choose the best perennials for different growing conditions. So, for any of you new gardeners out there, read and take the time to understand what will grow best in your yard! Your garden will thank you, and your fellow residents will love the view!