The Superior Express -

Mary Ginther has a not so secret garden in her back yard. The Hardy resident has expended a great deal of time, energy and funds to create her sanctuary. Along the way, she has had assistance from friends and family members.

Ginther has been a Hardy resident for more than 40 years. She is the mother of two sons, Taylor and Zachary. Taylor, a local resident, is married to Liz. The couple have three children. Zachary and his wife, Kim, have five children and reside in Central City.

The garden is dominated by a large water feature. The waterfall fits into a small hillside. It is surrounded by large rocks which frame the descending water. A portion of the pond is covered with water lilies which provide protection and shade to the many Koi and goldfish lurking beneath the surface. Feeding time is at 4 p.m. daily. The water denizens know when Ginther approaches, the feeding frenzy begins. The fish overwinter in the pond.

A hand crafted wood fence, erected by her neighbor, Jim Reynolds, provides a rustic accent to the garden.

The garden is the result of 20 years of work. Ginther admires her handiwork from her kitchen window.

The garden began as a small space to grow flowers and provide an area to relax. It took on a life of its own as she thought of more and more features to add. Family and friends assisted with excavating the pond area. The pond is served by a pump which feeds the waterfall. A commercial grade pond liner holds the returning water.

The land area around the water is festooned with numerous flowering plants such as celosia, coneflowers and petunias.

Ginther does not neglect the culinary scene. She has tomatoes and peppers growing in the garden area as well.

She views her garden as an ongoing creative project with room for constant expansion.

One grandson has organized her many garden gnomes into a gnome party. The elephant ears she has planted are living up to their name sizewise. Ginther will soon make preparations for the onset of winter. The elephant ears and bulbs will be dug up, divided and stored away for next season's enjoyment. Her grandchildren relish playing in the garden as much as she does.

Ginther laments the loss of a willow tree which once hung over the pond. A lightning strike destroyed the tree.

Though autumn is here, Ginther had a daylily blooming. A positive note to greet the incoming fall season.