By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
When Tom and Lori Hilt returned to their cottage after spending an afternoon at Put-in-Bay with their grandchildren, they noticed something hanging on their door. At first glance, it looked like just another advertisement. But after reading it, they realized it was something much more meaningful.
The note was from America in Bloom, a Columbus-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and encouraging personal and community involvement.
Representatives from the organization had been in Lakeside judging the community for its annual awards. Lakeside has won multiple times over the years, and while walking through Lakeside, the Hilts’ colorful landscape caught the eyes of the judges.
“The hanger said how beautiful my garden was,” Lori said. “It said to contact them because they thought it was award-worthy.”
Part of the message read: “Congratulations. We noticed the exceptional quality, beauty and care of your property. Thank you for making your community more vibrant and beautiful.”
After reaching out, the Hilts received a press release announcing that their yard has been certified and recognized as a “Gardens Across America” property for its floral impact, landscaped area, urban forestry and environmental effort.
A Garden that Keeps Growing
The Hilts moved into their cottage, located at the corner of Sycamore Avenue and Fourth Street, in 1995 and began transforming their yard the following spring.
The previous owner had a line of rocks near the road to keep cars from parking on the grass. When former V.P. of Municipal Services Dave Geyer asked them to move the rocks, the Hilts complied. To continue protecting their yard, they decided to plant a row of flowers along the Sycamore Avenue.
“It just kept growing and growing,” Lori said. “It’s hard to find shade flowers. So, I do the same every year, now that I found out what works well here.”
Every May, the Hilts haul plants from a greenhouse in Shreve, Ohio, not far from their home in Wooster. Depending on the weather, it can take up to five days to get everything planted. Most of their landscape is made up of annuals, with a few perennials, hydrangeas and hostas. A favorite feature is the mandevillas, climbing plants that stretch several feet high along the corners of the house.
“They grow from our porch up to the gutter,” Tom said. “It’s sad to take them down in the fall.”
At the end of the blooming season, all the window boxes are emptied and cleaned, then stored underneath the cottage. In spring, Lori replants them at their Wooster home before bringing them to Lakeside.
A Piece of Lakeside History
The Hilts’ cottage is one of the oldest in Lakeside, built in 1877 with leftover wood from Hotel Lakeside. As part of a restoration in 2012, they lifted the home and added a foundation. The border rocks framing their flowerbeds were salvaged from beneath the cottage.
While the result of their hard work is striking, Tom and Lori say it’s not an ego-driven process.
“We plant it because Lakeside is a walking community, so people can enjoy it as they see our yard,” Lori said. “In most towns, people just drive by houses and don’t pay attention. I can’t tell you how many compliments we get.”
Thank you, Tom and Lori, for sharing your love of gardening and helping make Lakeside more vibrant and beautiful for all who visit.
