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Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

As two longtime city dwellers born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jeff Kasprzak and Beth Thompson never had the space to grow the garden they’d always wanted. That doesn’t mean they didn’t always try, though. “I had a living room filled with basil plants,” said Kasprzak. “I could make pesto for weeks, but the last thing you want is white flies in your living room.” Part of what attracted them to Pennsylvania, they said, was the open space; however, the yards of their previous residences had too much shade for a garden. When the couple moved to their current home in Ransom, they finally had the space and acreage to plant everything they’d always wanted to plant while living in the city – and then some.

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Garden No. 13 Kasprzak and Thompson garden, Clarks Summit

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A tour around Thompson and Kasprzak’s garden is nearly akin to touring a professional garden center. Dozens of varieties of trees, flowers and bushes are planted in their three-quarter acre yard. And despite being relatively new to gardening Thompson and Kasprzak can name every one not only by common name but also by genus and species. Kasprzak said this comes from doing a lot of research. “We spend a good amount of money on gardening books,” he chuckled.

One advantage that Kasprzak and Thompson may have over longtime gardeners is that they are unafraid to plant species that most gardeners in the area say won’t work locally. For example, some gardeners feel that roses won’t do as well in the Northeastern Pa. climate as they do in warmer zones. Kasprzak and Thompson said this just isn’t true, as evidenced by their 20-plus rose bushes which still stood in bloom through October. They suggested planted older, hardier breeds such as Rugosa Roses, which tend to be more tolerant to cold. “The older breeds tend to be stronger, and they don’t seem to get mildewy,” said Kasprzak. Also, they said spikier types of roses, as well as other bushes, deter deer and other grazing critters. One happy exception to this rule has been the Knockout Rose, a newer, disease resistant breed which they said does very well in the local climate. Another method Kasprzak said they employ is to remain obdurate even after a particular plant doesn’t do well. “Anything that dies, I plant more of,” he said. “That way I can determine if it’s just me, or if it’s the location.”

At the Thompson and Kasprzak garden, bushes and trees are chosen not only for their beauty and form but also for their function. A line of new Hicks Yews grows at the west side of their property to serve as a natural border; similarly, a line of forsythia blooms toward the back. Evergreens and rose hedges are strategically grown to eventually serve as natural sound barriers and privacy hedges.

In addition to vegetable plants and wild oregano, raspberry and blackberry bushes, along with peach, apple and a variety of plum trees, offer a natural snack. The needles from white pine trees also provide the best kind of fertilizer for acid-loving plants, said Kasprzak. “It doesn’t attract slugs and it doesn’t blow away,” he said. “A compressed bale would go for about $30, but I get it for free here.”

Using one’s local resources is something that Kasprzak and Thompson encourage. As members of the Northeast Pennsylvania Orchid Society, they said that they have received many tips from their fellow gardeners. They also encourage aspiring gardeners to participate in plant swaps and take advantage or local gardening clubs. Ultimately, the couple said, they are aiming for a low maintenance garden that stays in bloom and requires minimal care. Because of this, they have been working to plant as many perennials as possible, including approximately 1200 bulbs that will bloom next spring. Leaving the garden more natural also encourages more wildlife, they said, and attracts birds, which as a result serve as natural insect controllers. All in all, the couple said having a prolific garden is worth the care it takes. “It’s definitely a work in progress, but it is much better than concrete,” said Kasprzak.

Want to vote?

The Abington Journal and theabingtonjournal.com are running a story series written by Mauri Rapp and a contest on home gardens in the greater Abington coverage area. We accepted nominations and will feature gardens to Oct. 28. One grand prize winner will receive a $200 gift card courtesy of Corky’s Garden Path. A complete list with a photo of each garden will be featured in the paper and online on Oct. 28 when the voting begins. Vote online through Friday, Nov. 13 at www.theabingtonjournal. com, via e-mail to kgrier@ theabingtonjournal.com and at our office 211 South State Street, Clarks Summit. With e-mail or mail, send votes c/o GARDEN CONTEST.