Gardens galore on annual Milton tour

Attendees of the 2023 Milton Garden Tour were welcomed into the backyards of seven neighbors Sept. 17, with each providing its own unique style. 

The Nordheimer Law Office showcased its colorful sidewalk gardens along Federal and Mill streets, as well as a beautiful backyard featuring raised beds for vegetables and herbs. On the front porch of the Victorian-style home, local musician Al Frantic and artist Liz Miceli provided an artful complement. Mary Nowland also welcomed guests with Zolo Shadow Box Art.

Just a few doors down, Jolynn Esham opened the backyard to her 200-year-old home. The many gardens were sprinkled with fine details, and several sitting areas offered unique perspectives. Joining Esham was mixed-media artist Joann Sabato. 

In Cannery Village, Brick Lane resident Sharon Borton showed just how much one can do in a tight area, as she created a small but adaptable backyard patio while using every possible space in just the few feet between her home and the side-yard fence. The front area of the home opens up, allowing more space to showcase beautiful gardens. 

From there, the tour traveled down Cave Neck Road to the Vincent Overlook and Overbrook Shores communities. 

In Vincent Overlook, Debbie Doobay and Michael Terre created a welcoming environment in a backyard that overlooks a community pond. Unique flowers and plants complement an ornately decorated back porch and a functional patio. Along the side of the home, herbs and spices are mixed in, each marked with a decorative ID. 

The first of two South Mill Run homes in the Overbrook Shores community sits on the shore of Red Mill Pond. Homeowners Stephen Bergin and Brian Kellar utilized the space to create a tucked-away skeleton party for the upcoming Halloween season as well as their own private beach with a pair of Adirondack chairs on a private dock. Several decorative bicycles and other features were carefully worked into the landscape surrounding the home. Author Karen Carpenter and plein air artist Geri Gaskill offered their works for visitors. 

Just down the street, Bill and Nancy Collick created a picturesque scene with a variety of beautiful front-yard trees surrounded by gardens of colorful flowers. A split-rail fence adds to the attractive landscape. Also welcoming guests were Local Waves ceramics by Bethany Tyndall, artist Diane Albanese and Gourds by Heather. 

The final home on the tour offered visitors a peek into the backyard of Wendy and Mark Kayal’s home on East Mill Drive. Situated along a finger of Red Mill Pond, the home has a private dock and a backyard designed for socializing, with a fire pit area and a screened gazebo. Mixed-media artist Chet Long and artisan jewelry maker Jeanne Steck offered their products for curious shoppers. 

Milton Garden Club members welcomed guests at the Milton Historical Society, where they could purchase tour tickets, buy something from the bake and plant sales, or donate food and money to the Milton Food Pantry. For more information, go to themiltongardenclub.org.