Gardener's efforts earn first place

Passion for flowers and plants pays off for three local folks Vernon — 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 of Sussex Borough have taken a limitless interest in gardening. Westermajer’s hobby has turned into a daily passion that has led him to earn first place in Heaven Hill Farm’s “Most Beautiful Garden” Contest 2009. Westermajer’s love affair with gardens and gardening began nearly 15 years ago. He spends as many as 20 hours a week tending to his gardens. Favoring lilies and tulips has driven him to place more than 3,000 bulbs in the ground so far. With every passing year, the lavish and extensive gardens covering nearly half an acre of Westermajer’s property have been a surefire way for him and his wife to express themselves, relax and enjoy 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 think is ‘wrong’ in my garden this year, then simply add color where it’s needed next season,” he said. For taking first place, he received a $100 gift certificate to Heaven Hill. Following the same gardening path as Westermajer, Tammy Barron of Hamburg and Liz Nuss of Wantage shared second place in Heaven Hill Farm’s garden contest this year. They each received $75 gift certificates to Heaven Hill. 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. Heaven Hill 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. They host seasonal events including the Pumpkinland Festival, Haunted Acres Hayride, easter egg hunts and school tours. For information visit www.heavenhillfarm.com or call 973-764-5144.