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closelocal roots: Gigantic garden on South Hill beautifies community
Since they moved to their South Hill home in 1972, Raymonde and George Lemonges have worked to create a garden that is welcoming to birds, bees and bunnies.
The one-acre parcel of land was never cleared — a hole was dug in the spot where the house would be built, but the rest of the lot was left in a natural state. Rather than clear the lot, the Lemonges left all of the 100-year old fallen trees alone, then proceeded to plant a beautiful garden around them. Over the years, the fallen trees evolved into spectacular “nursery trees.” They not only enriched the soil, they also became an impressive and fertile growing environment for Salal, Ferns, Foxgloves, Trillium and Oregon grape, all thriving in the shade of the larger upright trees and shrubs around them. which include nearly 400 rhododendrons and azaleas.
Throughout the years George built retaining walls, and the Lemonges added gravel pathways, as both a way to stroll through and enjoy the many varieties of shrubs, groundcovers, and trees to assist in drainage for water coming down the slope of their property. Dry rock beds also provide a natural look to the garden, and assist with drainage.
A walk through these paths with Raymonde is a pleasant experience. A native of the Normandy region of France, she has chosen to incorporate several plants in her garden to remind her of home.
“The climate of that region is very similar to ours, so we share many common plants,” she said.
Lily-of-the-Valley, Mock Orange and a Chestnut tree are just some of those common plants Raymonde has added to this landscape.
“Mock Orange blossoms are a popular flower to use in French wedding bouquets, and French parks always have Chestnut trees. In France it is believed that if you pick Lily-of-the-Valley on the first of May, you will have good luck for the rest of the year,” Raymonde said.
A thriving clump of “pinks” in the upper section of her garden, given to her by a friend while she and George lived in Vermont, also remind Raymonde of France. She moved the little perennial plant to this property 36 years ago.
Many birds frequent this property, which received certification from the National Wildlife Federation in 1980.
“In spring, tulips bloom above a carpet of wild strawberries. Wild Indian Plums are the first small trees to have leaves and a feast of small berries for the birds. I’ve seen robins fly upside-down to reach the Indian Plum’s fruit,” Raymonde said. “Huckleberries and Salal berries are also on the buffet menu.”
The Lemonges do not trim their Laurel hedge until after the many baby birds have hatched and flown away, and they encourage clover to grow in their grass, to provide food for both the bees and the bunnies who frequently visit.
Raymonde also has an oval shaped Boxwood edged garden which she calls her “Friendship Garden” because it is filled with perennial plants given to her by her friends who love to garden. Dotted throughout the landscape are several benches, which provide a perfect opportunity for visitors to sit and take in the many different sights and smells this beautiful garden has to offer.