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
season crops (onions, kale, lettuce, and spinach) can be planted when the soil is consistently at or above 40°F.
astounding in itself — but also how easily humans underestimate plants. “We are plant blind,”…. Monica Gagliano Ecologist University of Western Australia 
indoors.
list since the 1980s. With its high seed production and 90% germination rate, this plant has taken over forest floors, wetlands and open spaces at an alarming rate. It is now found in the wild in 31 states; throughout all eastern and mid-western states, and areas of Wyoming and Washington.
Recently an alarming side effect of this plant’s escape into the wild has been discovered. Japanese Barberry creates a humid microclimate creating a highly favorable environment for tick survival and reproduction cycles. This humid environment is especially suited for Deer Ticks (aka: Blacklegged Ticks) ( Ixodes scapularis), vectors of Lyme Disease! And indeed, studies show Lyme Disease has increased where Japanese Barberry is prevalent. This plant’s encroachment has now created a public health issue, which has BLM, USDA, and Agriculture Mangers stepping up efforts to eradicate it in the wild.