Washington County Weekend Post e-edition
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/360629
2 8 • W a s h i n g t o n C o u n t y P o s t R e t a i l • 8 - 1 0 - 1 4 W hen Janet Heberer was growing up, her parents had a special name for a western edge of their farm. "They called it Paradise," she said. "I remember them saying that they were going to be making hay in Paradise, and I knew exactly where they meant." The place held special memories for Janet so when Janet and her hus- band, Randy, had a chance to buy the 15- acre "paradise" parcel, they did. For the 25 years since, Janet and Randy Heberer have put in countless hours making the corner live up to its name. "I definitely think you could call it our little portion of paradise," Janet said. Initially the Heberers removed all but the strongest trees from the wooded section of the lot. Next they built a stone path and installed bridges over the creek that crosses the land. Then came the planting. "We planted all of this from scratch," Janet said. "My goal has always been to have a lot of vari- ety so that something is always blooming." A self-taught gardener, Janet is always on the lookout for unique plants and colors that will work well together. Most of her plants are perennials, which are thinned annually and sold at a family flower sale each spring. Her favorites include colorful bee balm and cone flow- ers, but every plant has a unique charm. Flowers, native grasses and other colorful bush- es line the stone path, and at least 12 flower gardens pepper the prop- erty. There may be more, as evidenced on a recent walk around the proper- ty during which Janet initially declared there to be six to eight flower gar- dens before upping the count with every turn along their winding drive. "My husband keeps adding gardens so we have lost count of exactly how many we have," she said. "I would say we probably have more than most, but we enjoy it. We spend a lot of time out- doors with the plants, but I wouldn't call it work because we enjoy it. I prefer to think of it as therapy." This weekend, the Heberers' home in St. Michaels will be even a little more special when it plays host to the wed- ding of Janet and Randy's daughter, Erika, to Caleb Olla. "They were looking for a place to hold the wed- ding and we suggested that they have it here," Janet said. "They thought that was a great idea." Gone Gardening Gone Gardening Paradise found! 15 acres of former family farmland lives up to its name Written By: Jill Badzinski Continued on page 30... At least a dozen flower gardens are located on the property. Yard art features antique farm tools. Landscape Supplies 4455 Hwy 144, Slinger Wholesale & Retail Topsoil • Sand • Wash Stone Variety of Decorative Stone Start The Summer Off Right. 237848001 Hemlock Mulch Premium Bark Mulch Cedar Mulch Wood Chips Red, Brown, or Gold Environmental Mulch Pine Mulch Starter Mulch Mon-Fri 7-5, Sat 8-3, Sun 10-2 262-644-9486 www.bechtelslandscape.com Delivery Available