A GARDEN OF STORIES

Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.

- Sherri Ribbey

Botanical Names

Coral bells Heuchera spp and hybrids Hosta Hosta spp. and hybrids Pecan Carya illinoinensis

Knock on the front door of Jim and Rachel Light's Ohio home and you probably won't get an answer-they'll be in the garden! But wander around to the back door at left and you'll find Rachel nearby pulling weeds or swapping out her seasonal displays and Jim working on his latest construction project. This industrious couple has been gardening here for all 49 years of their marriage, and they have no plans to slow down. The 42-acre property is where Rachel spent her childhood-that's her at age 5 in the garden above-and she's seen lots of changes. Her parents grew vegetables and a few flowers, but she and Jim have transformed the yard around the home into a shady oasis.

Jim built a new home a few years into their marriage after they discovered that the original house had serious termite damage. Once that was finished, the couple has continued to add new gardens and structures every year. Let's take a tour and see what they've done.

GARDEN BEGINNINGS