by Connie Oswald Stofko
“It’s serene,” said Mary Anne Bach as she gazed around her backyard. “I love coming here.”
Sometimes if friends ask her if she wants to go out, her real answer is no. She’d rather spend her time off in her garden.
You’ll be able to see why she enjoys her landscape so much when you visit the home she shares with her husband Jim at 52 Tim Tam Terrace during the West Seneca Tour of Gardens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20. Note that this year the garden will be held for two days instead of just one.
Visitors may pick up maps after July 10 at the Burchfield Nature Center, 2001 Union Rd., West Seneca, or at the home of a gardener at 75 Dirkson Ave., West Seneca.
Bach works full time as a nurse.
“The type of work I do is stressful,” she said. “I like to come back here and listen to the sound of the pond. I just find my garden extremely satisfying, not only looking at it, but working in it. It helps me get rid of all that stress.
“It’s nice to be able to get away in your own yard.”
Bach chooses plants that she likes and finds a spot for them in her garden. Sometimes she tries plants in areas that they might not be best suited for– she has roses, which generally like sun, growing in a somewhat shady area near astilbe.
Their neighbor recently cut down pine trees that draped over the fence into their yard.
“To me, it seemed naked back here,” she said, so she added pots to the fence.
On the plus side, there’s more sunlight for their vegetable garden.
One landscaping technique I especially like was how Bach incorporated the above-ground pool into the landscape. Tall shrubs and grasses as well as colorful perennials are more attractive than the blank side of a pool.
“The beauty of the world amazes me,” Bach said, “and I have a little piece of it right here.”
Upcoming garden walks
Ken-Ton Garden Tour daytime walk from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, July 19 & 20 and night lights tour from 8:30-11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, July 18 & 19
Lancaster Garden Walk night lights from 8:45 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 18 and daytime walk 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20
Williamsville Garden Walk 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 19
West Seneca Tour of Gardens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20
South Buffalo Alive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 20
Garden Walk Buffalo 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27
Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for the daytime walk and 8-10 p.m. for the Starry Night Garden Tour
I very much enjoyed viewing the Bach’s garden photos. I can completely relate to her turning down going out versus staying surrounded by the beauty of our gardening labor. I cannot take advantage of the West Seneca Walk so I can see it in person, but this year so far, have enjoyed Parkside’s and Lockport’s. This weekend Williamsville’s is on the agenda. I come home with so many ideas and excitement from the walks thinking of ways to incorporating what I’ve seen in my own, which I’m hoping to include in the Lockport Garden Walk soon. My most exciting discovery, of late, is the Mallow flower. Specifically “Sabrina”. I would have never known the glory of this particular plant had I not gone “touring”. It’s free – it’s fun – it’s healthy. My husband enjoys them also and we have yet to meet a cranky hosting gardener. This certified master gardener gets excited about touring each and every one of them. 🙂
A staycation is when you take a holiday at home. Instead of vacating or leaving home, you stay and enjoy your time off in your own locale.
No, Orchard Park doesn’t have a garden walk. Maybe it should have one. Do you live there? Maybe you should start one!
Hi Donna – can you elaborate on what you mean by a “staycation?” Thanks!
They do a a great staycation!
Does Orchard Park have a garden walk? Thank you!