Gardens of Shangri-La

Whether it be the need to stay closer to home these days or the growing awareness about the environment, green thumb gardeners like John Westermajer have taken a limitless interest in gardening. Westermajer’s leisure activity has turned into a daily passion that has led him to earn First Place in Heaven Hill Farm’s “Most Gorgeous Garden” Contest 2009.

Westermajer’s like affair with gardens and gardening started nearly 15 years ago.  He spends as much as 20 hours per week tending to his gardens. Favoring lily’s and tulips has driven him to place more than 3,000 bulbs in the ground so far.

With every passing year, the lavish and extent gardens covering nearly ½ acre of Westermajer’s property have been a sure-fire way for him and his wife to express themselves, relax and delight in the outdoors.

Although Westermajer has not joined any area gardening clubs, he does search out planting tips from the garden and nursery team at Heaven Hill Farm and his favorite magazine, Garden Gate. “I don’t visualize well, so I see what I reckon is ‘incorrect’ in my garden this year, then simply add color where it’s needed next season,” says Westermajer.

Following the same gardening path as Westermajer, Tammy Barron and Liz Nuss, both from Sussex County, New Jersey, share 2nd place in Heaven Hill Farm’s “Most Gorgeous Garden” Contest.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of turning his or her garden into a showcase, a visit to Heaven Hill Farm offers both an extensive choice of flowers, shrubs and trees for all types of gardens as well as planting and design advice from owner Martin Theobald and the garden and nursery staff. All gardeners are welcome to reap the rewards of their labor by entering their gardens in The Most Gorgeous Garden Contest held every Spring at Heaven Hill Farm.

Established in 1983, Heaven Hill Farm is a 150 acre working farm and full service garden center offering annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, gardening supplies, seasonal produce, patio and pool furniture, sheds and giftware. In addition to the “Most Gorgeous Garden Contest, Heaven Hill is host to yearly events including the Pumpkinland Festival, Haunted Acres Hayride, Easter Egg Hunts, Seasonal Tent Sales and Educational School Tours.

For additional information and directions, contact Heaven Hill Farm at (973)764-5144.

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