Matzke yard featured by Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club

Story and photos courtesy Kyla McNamara, Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club

Every morning on my way to work I admire a manicured backyard across the alley. This yard at 1042 Cleveland Avenue belongs to Marge Matzke and her son Terry Ward. Almost every evening, you will see Terry hard at work in the yard, watering or weeding. He always offers a smile and a wave to anyone passing by.

The yard is full of color all spring and summer. Aside from the large lawn, there are several sections of flowers around. Hand-planted pots hang from the covered patio with various color petunias. Along the house there are tiger lilies and lilies of the valley. On the north side of the yard is a small garden patch which features a "jungle of tomatoes," Terry finds that not trimming them and letting them grow out produces the best. On bumper crop years, Marge and Terry donate the tangerine tomatoes to the Havre senior center. On the south side, there is another flower bed with marigolds, rhubarb and petunias. Solar lights and yard decorations are also placed around the yard adding more color and flare throughout.

The main feature of the yard is the large covered patio which Marge had added when she moved in. One of the planters. believed to be an old furnace hood, has followed Marge from one house to the other. This planter is her pride and joy. While usually planted with petunias, this year they opted for colorful moss roses. Marge's granddaughter contributes hanging art pieces that add to the patio as well.

After spending five to six hours a day working in the yard, Terry enjoys the yard on the patio with a refreshing soda in the evenings. Marge has always had an appreciation for gardening and flowers and appreciates all the work Terry puts into the yard for her to view and enjoy. The two enjoy backyard bird watching, seeing hummingbirds, red wing flickers and seeing the occasional rabbit, squirrel or deer come through the yard.

While the backyard is my favorite, the front yard is also meticulously cared for, with more planters and white anemones adorning the walk. One of my favorite sayings from visiting with Terry is that he believes "gardening should be how you want it, not by the book." Take a few minutes to drive by this home both front and back to admire the hard work that Marge and Terry have put into this yard.