186 Ohio Street – It’s such a pleasant surprise to discover the beautiful garden at 186 Ohio Street. Although the house is on a flag lot, much of the garden is visible from the street or sidewalk. Stacy and Eric Poole own the property and have lived here with their two daughters Allie and Aimee, a dog, cat, and three chickens since 2001. It’s easy to find the property because of two large basalt pillars installed near the sidewalk by their friend, the stone sculptor Jesse Biesanz.
In fact, the Pooles have many talented friends who have added to the charming ambience of the property. Metal sculptor Cheryl Garcia is a friend who helped Stacy with the original garden design and installation. There are numerous Garcia sculptural pieces throughout. Landscape designer and friend Jane Hardgrove has helped transform areas of the garden with her vision.
Stacy averages two to five hours per week working in the garden but wishes she could spend more time. Vidal Cervantes has been helping with weeding and cleanup. Allie and Aimee enjoy spending time in the garden and help their mother realize changes.
The garden has evolved as the children are growing up. The current trampoline replaced a swing set, and is likely to be replaced before long with a fire pit and seating area. Other areas of the landscape have been reworked in phases.
Among Stacy’s favorite plants are the sunflowers of summer and Japanese maples. There are raised beds for vegetables, including lettuces, tomatoes, and basil, and various kinds of berries abound. Tiny (less than two inches high) cyclamen catch the eye in March. Pleasant surprises are everywhere at all times of year.
Article by Ruth Sloan
Photos by Larry Rosengren
et five years ago and immediately set about reworking the small garden spaces. Two years ago, they were among the first to take advantage of the City of Ashland’s lawn replacement program. Throughout the process of developing the wonderful garden that they have today, they have had assistance from Regenesis Ecological Design of Ashland.
Most recently theirs was designated an official Pollinator Garden by Bee City USA of Ashland, and they have a pretty, new sign to prove it. The Hunsakers commissioned Nick David of Jefferson Woodwright to make a very nice frame for the sign, to coordinate with the craftsman architecture of their home. They have colorful Monarch caterpillars in residence, happily munching on various kinds of milkweed that they introduced to a side yard. Carolyn and Don, together, spend about five hours a week maintaining this beautiful garden.
This is a modest-size garden, with a front of 800 square feet, side yards of about 250 square feet each, and natural areas off the alley adding about 200 square feet more, but they have capitalized on the efficient use of space, with plants on trellises for height that also provide privacy. On one side, the garden opens out to reveal an inviting patio, just off the kitchen, complete with a refreshing water feature. On the other side, outdoor rooms were created with arbors and a variety of vines, including star jasmine and honeysuckle. On this side, a garden shed has a living roof, comprised of sedum, small primroses, bitterroot, and other small plants. A tiny solar panel provides power for the light inside the shed.
Near the patio in back, there is a concrete raised bed that has primarily edible plants such as cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, with mint, basil, rosemary, and marigolds to discourage unwelcome creatures. Larger, non-edible plants in this area include a Japanese maple, buddleja, anemone, Sochi Tea camellia, and euphorbia.