Bastin's home selected as first featured yard of summer

By Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club

Photos by Ryan Welch, Havre Daily News

Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club has selected a garden at 729 Second Ave. as its first featured yard for this summer.

Ron and Bev Bastin have blended their individual skills to yield a beautiful yard. Ron, the engineer, has manicured and planted to perfection while Bev adds creativity and splashes of color to bring alive their garden.

As you approach the yard, you are drawn to the large red geraniums on the north side and the high-low orange marigolds defining borders and edging pathways front and back. A south path from street side leads to the hidden backyard and a pleasant surprise.

Perennials line the pathway offering constant color and variety of texture and heights. The path opens to the sanctuary located on the east side which is a colorful extension of their home enjoyed year around as weather permits. It has several areas for gathering family and friends for catching morning sun or late afternoon shade. Colorful furniture and accessories are inviting. Hanging baskets - both flower and fruits - are everywhere.

Many of the garden items have special meaning or memories to the Bastins. The large red and white birdhouse was made by a second cousin in Norway as result of their trip to Norway while the smaller bird houses were painted by a great-grandchild. There is a large bronze-colored planter made by their son when he was in the seventh grade.

The yard is also home to birds and squirrels as feeders are located throughout inviting the little creatures to dinner. The bird baths are adorned with yellow plastic ducks from London, Paris and the states. Two red bicycles grace the lawn space and are overflowing with flowers. They are complimented with pairs of bright green and red Adirondack chairs.

The barbecue pit area takes advantage of the hillside terrain. Apple trees, raspberry bushes and rhubarb plants produce fruits. The crab apple tree was planted by their son from the Arbor Day program and the apple tree comes from a dear neighbor, the late Arlie Lane. Hanging strawberry plants provide fresh berries for breakfast. The tomato area features hanging baskets soon to have tomatoes for the picking.

While Bev adds drama to the yard, Ron has a special recipe of ingredients to keep the soil nutrient and it is evident in the healthy plants. The garden has been a team labor of love the past 44 years. It is a must-see and the community has the opportunity Sunday, July 1, from 1 to 4 as it is one gardens on the Art in the Garden Tour. People will be able to step into the hidden secret on Second Avenue. Enjoy!