Taking a walk down S. Mount Vernon Ave. is like taking a walk back in time. Alta Vista Garden Club invites you to

take that walk in June to see a beautiful, formal Victorian garden at the home of Ron and Linda Woodward at 141 S. Mount Vernon, our garden of the month. Built in 1898 by Olaf and Minnie Belle Hesla, who had immigrated to Prescott from the east, the design was a Queen Anne style Victorian home to replicate the houses they loved from back east. Ron and Linda purchased the home in 2007 and set about developing a garden that fit the period and style of the house. It is a work in progress and Ron contributed a description of the garden they are very proud of!
This garden, located in front of one of Prescott’s splendid Victorian homes, displays more than a hint of formalness. During the reign of Queen Victoria, formal landscape gardens grew in popularity both in England and on the Eastern coast of the United States. Boxwood hedges create geometric patterns and the garden’s outline, and Euonymus plants offer a distinct color variation to give concentric patterns within the outline formed by the boxwoods. The shape of this garden is patterned after the morning shadow of the house in early spring.
Using a variety of evergreens keeps the garden attractive even in winter. In spring, Daffodils and Tulips bring the garden to life. Then comes the return of the perennials! Years of plantings yield many pleasant surprises throughout the growing season. Larkspur, Daisies and even Poppies return each year to provide interesting color. Topped off by annuals providing color, this garden is always changing!
A bird bath and feeder make this a busy place for our fine feathered friends, especially in spring. A Victorian garden would be incomplete without a place to sit, and this one has a superb swing for its gardeners to relax and enjoy its beauty up close. Finished off by a beautiful lawn and a winding path to the back lawn, this is a fun version of a small Victorian garden!
So journey back in time to see this lovely garden and the home which celebrates its 117th birthday this month!