Jan Lyons has lived at her home since April 2021. “I love the front flower beds - I change things seasonally but always try to have a mix of colors and textures,” she says. “I also love my backyard. It’s very small, but it's all garden - no grass –and it’s a peaceful place to read, sip a glass of wine, and watch the pollinators go to work!”
She regularly visits Buchanan’s Native Plants for her plant purchases. Planting natives in her garden in both the front and back yards. “I change things around at least quarterly, depending on what is in season, so it always varies."
When asked what guides her choices for her garden, she says it has to do with her past experience while living across the pond. “I lived in London for a few years and was most inspired by the natural gardens there. When I moved back, I wanted to minimize grass, be surrounded by color, and create a great environment for the pollinators."
Her choices in plants are appreciated by pollinators that fly, crawl, and buzz about in her yard, saying there’s lots of flying activity in both front and back yards. “Tons of bees, some butterflies (would love it if there were more), and lizards all over the place.”
Jan says she was not born with a green thumb...gardening takes practice. “I am learning and rely on the expertise of others and get tons of inspiration from all of the beautiful yards in our neighborhood.”
And unlike many gardeners, Jan enjoys one thing that most would disagree with, “I love pulling weeds! Depending on the weather, I’ll spend 4 or 5 hours each week in the garden--most of that time is pulling weeds because it relaxes me.”
While most of her gardens are populated with native plants, Jan has one plant that holds a special place in her heart. “I have a Christmas cactus inside that is nearly 30 years old and belonged to my mother. She trusted me to take care of it when she moved into assisted living.”
She also has a couple of other favorites. “My favorite flower is peony (I haven’t tried to grow those yet), and I love it when the jasmine blooms!”
In terms of being recognized as yard of the month, Jan says, “It feels humbling! There are so many fabulous gardens all over this neighborhood. We are
blessed!
Congratulations, Jan, on your beautiful gardens and being this month's Yard of the Month in the Woodland Heights!