Hanover Garden Club

What an incredible ECO event we just had! We were thrilled to share seeds with over 150 enthusiastic participants, spreading the joy of growth and sustainability. A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers—Heidi Kozak, Diane Wensel, Megahn Rineman, Lynne Thompson, Eileen Kindig, Donna Davis, and Tammy Myers—whose dedication and passion made this unforgettable day possible. Your hard work truly means the world to us!
The Purple Bean Vine seeds stole the spotlight, captivating everyone with their unique look and sparking curiosity. Thankfully, the storms held off for us, letting us enjoy a beautiful, albeit extremely hot weekend. Here is to more inspiring moments like this! 🌱💚

Members of the Hanover Garden Club spent a beautiful day visiting Surreybrooke Gardens and Nursery () in Middletown, MD.

We chatted with Nancy and learned about how she and her husband created these extensive gardens from what was once the site of their hay and cattle farm. Being blessed with perfect weather, we explored the picturesque and tranquil environment, following walking paths to take us to several garden-themed areas and ponds, all beautifully decorated with lovely trees, shrubs, flowers and statuary.

We then had great fun purchasing lovely annuals, perennials, statuary and artistic garden accents and gifts.

Beauty for the eyes was followed by beauty for our mouths as we indulged in a delicious Italian lunch at Fratelli's of Middletown ().

A picture-perfect way to spend a lovely spring day!

Congratulations to our May "Garden of the Month" award winner, Rick Martz, of 716 Washington Ave., Hanover. Though Rick did not experience the love of gardening as a child, he stepped into the role of "official landscaper" at this property when he and his wife purchased it 20 years ago. At that time, the garden was completely overgrown, so they decided to gut it and start over. A big task for someone with no helpful background experience! However, he had a good friend who was willing to help, so they designed the layout of all the shrubs he thought he'd like and began to dig! Twenty years later, those shrubs have grown to maturity, and you can quickly see that his original choices were spot on!

He appreciates the look of well-groomed trees and shrubs even more than flowers, as well as the neatness of a more formal style, so he developed the yard over the years with that in mind. He even mows attractive patterns into his lawn to add more dimension and interest. When asked where he finds his motivation, having had no previous interest, he shares that keeping the landscape looking pristine gives him great pleasure, and he gets encouragement and ideas from his employee, Kelly, at his place of business who does an amazing job with the plantings there.

When spring blooming trees and shrubs are fading and summer's blooms aren't yet exploding, this garden is a prime example of the four-season beauty found in formal gardens, where the well-maintained trees, shrubs and lawns provide interest year-round when other gardens have lost their flower focal points.

Thank you, Rick, for beautifying your neighborhood for all to enjoy!