Yesterday, on the Sabbath, I rested my eyes on the glories of springtime at Maison Nord Garden. The private gardens were open to the public to benefit the Harford Community Action Agency.

Rhona Frank and her daughter Chrissy own the 7 acre property. Rhona’s creativity along with her her collaborator, Kelcey Degnan and their other botanical helpers is evident everywhere. Chrissy’s claim to fame is “chief duck-keeper” and event assistant. Several outbuildings were colorfully painted to perfectly accentuate certain areas. As I spoke with the elder of the two ladies, it became evident great thought is put into the design and the species of flowers she wishes to highlight at various times of the year. I was charmed by the succulent display which was planted and overtaking the roof of the children’s playhouse. The red flowering quince trees and the tulip display were beautiful as well as the woodland flowers which have poked up from under the earth – lenten rose, bleeding heart, primrose, ajuga, Virginia bluebells, just to name a few.

As I strolled the paths and the gardens, I reflected upon how God’s magnificent powers along with seed, water, soil and light, yields nourishment for both body in the way of food, and for soul, particularly after the barrenness of color all winter.

When the property was purchased, it was a farm. Now viola! Seventeen years later, many labors of love have been put into transforming it into floral gardens.  The owner explained other garden highlights which will appear throughout the gardening season. 

I’d like to thank this mother and daughter team, who were both delightful, for my experience there today. I jumped in on  a portion of the garden tour which provided me with the names of a few plants I was unfamiliar with. 

What a wonderful way to support a vital community organization, by sharing the beauty of the fruits of their labors. Look forward to returning!