While the students
were enjoying Dublin, the Resident Director (or Mother Hen) did some research
at a local garden. Catforth Gardens and Nursery is located only 3 miles
from the college. It is a small private business that specializes in the
production of mainly herbaceous perennials. While the nursery is the commercial
focus, the gardens (there are 4 distinct areas totalling no more than
5 acres) are what probably attracts most visitors. A small entrance fee
helps defray maintenance costs. The garden boasts over 1500 varieties
of herbaceous perennials arranged in densely packed beds. The color and
intensity of the beds is outstanding. Catforth Gardens also holds the
national collection of hardy geraniums, a reliable perennial of graceful
form and varied color. This place may be close to heaven for hard-core
perennial lovers.
