AJ News

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

CLARKS SUMMIT - When Annie and Matt Jenkins were in the process of moving from Ardmore, outside of Philadelphia, back to their hometown in the Abingtons, a spacious home on Nelson Street in Clarks Summit caught their eye. Once they saw the backyard garden, however, they were practically sold. “We looked at the house and we liked what we saw,” said Annie. “Then we looked at the garden and we were like ‘Wow.’” According to Annie, the original garden was created by previous owners of the house. “I don’t want to take credit for something that they created,” she laughed.

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Garden No. 1: ANNIE and MATT JENKINS

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The garden of Annie and Matt Jenkins on Nelson Street in Clarks Summit. At right, the Jenkins dog Charlie near the garden.

Abington Journal Photos/Mauri Rapp

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Nearly two years later, the two have working hard at maintaining that garden and have added trees, herbs and other aspects to it, creating an English-type garden setting right in their backyard. “I don’t know if I would really call it a traditional English garden,” said Annie. “We don’t necessarily stick to that traditional format. We just see what works in it.”

The garden contains mostly perennials, many of which bloom at different points throughout the warmer months of the year. “Different colors bloom at different times of the year,” said Annie. “In the spring, the main color will be purple, and then a few weeks later the garden is all pink.” Daylilies, black-eyed susans, daisies and other colorful flowers, both domestic and wild, pepper the landscape, bordering a grey cobblestone path that leads to a trellis and then a square gardening area. A stone patio is set off to the side of the main garden, with a firepit and sitting area at the back of the garden.

Annie said that she and Matt are still learning what to expect from each part of the garden. “Last year we didn’t know what to expect at all,” she said. “Now we have more of an idea of what flowers we have, what we can add and how to maintain it.” As for maintenance, Annie said that the bulk of the work, except for weeding, is done in the spring and fall. “During the summer, the garden pretty much takes care of itself.” And the Jenkins have a lot more planned for their backyard space. They plan to add a shade garden beneath a copse of pine trees, add more flora to the fire pit area and restore part of the garden to an all-herb garden area. Also, Matt said he’d like to eventually add a water feature. But they say that the benefits of the garden are worth the work it takes to maintain it, because it creates a space for the whole family to enjoy, including their children and their dog. “It’s so peaceful back there,” said Matt.

Want to see a garden in print?

The Abington Journal and theabingtonjournal.com begins a 14-week story series written by Mauri Rapp and a contest on featured home gardens in the greater Abington coverage area. We will be accepting nominations for up to 14 gardens, which will be featured each week in print and online through Oct. 28. Each garden nominated will receive a prize. Our readers will then vote for their favorites at the Abington Journal office and on our Web site. The winning garden will receive a grand prize. To nominate a garden, call Editor Kristie Grier Ceruti at 570-585-1604 or email kgrier@theabingtonjournal. com. Feel free to include photos.