Around 1998, Phillip Griffith suggested that we design a perennial garden to grace the church front hillside. Dan Scott was brought in to build the retaining walls for the terraced beds.

Nancy Utter and Anne-Marie Scott along with Phillip put together a plan for where the perennials would go, including two weeping cherry trees and the church sign. The watering system was installed, planting commenced, and the blooming began! The planting continued around the corner right up to the edge of the property on the Park Avenue Extension side.

Since then, the garden has grown and grown! Each season has it’s featured flowers: Cherry blossoms, Daffodils, Tulips and Grape Hyacinth in the early Spring; Bearded as well as Siberian Irises follow, along with the Peonies, Hydrangea and Echinacea in the summer. Purple and pink Asters and golden Chrysanthemums follow the multi-colored Daylilies of late summer.

The garden has become a fixture in Downing Square. Many neighbors of the church have mentioned how much they appreciate the garden, as well as drivers who pass by regularly.

Anyone who is interested in helping to care for the garden should contact us.

You will be put on the email blast list so you know when we’ll be working each week. Bring your garden gloves and weeding tools! Weather permitting, we work every week during the months of March-November!

For More Information

Contact Nancy Utter