Margie Tossell and her late husband, Jim, purchased their home in the 600 block of Ninth Street in 1978. Over the years, they made improvements to their landscaping, adding flowers and shrubs until this month, that home was awarded “Yard of the Month” for July by the Garden Club of Kewanee.
“We added some land and once we did that we could build on and my husband Jim built a gazebo,” Margie said.
In addition to the gazebo, the couple planted fruit trees, cherry, pear and apple. They also planted blueberry bushes. A peach and nectarine tree were lost in storms over the years, but the other trees produce, and Margie often makes baked goods, cans or freezes the fruit.
Garden Club member Joline Oswald said she believes the Tossell property is the first property with fruit trees to be awarded the monthly summer prize. Along with a yard sign, Margie received a gift certificate to Sunnyfield Greenhouse & Garden Center and a certificate suitable for framing.
Margie agreed to answer five questions about her yard and garden for The Kewanee Voice.
What motivates you or inspires you in gardening/yard work?
Margie couldn’t think of anything that inspired her to garden but said she grew up with it.
“I like flowers around me. My grandma could make anything grow,” she said and many of her plants on her property come from her grandmother.
How many hours do you spend gardening or doing yard work each week?
“I come out and piddle around when I drink coffee in the morning,” said Tossell, who estimates she spends just a couple hours plus an hour and a half to mow.
What advice would you give to other gardeners or residents interested in sprucing up their yards?
“Buy what you like,” she said. “And don’t be afraid to try new varieties.
Her favorite right now is Baptisia, and she didn’t think she would like it but in May when it blooms, Margie said it just makes her happy.
What’s your favorite tree, flower or shrub?
“I really don’t have a favorite. I like everything.”
When asked how many varieties of plants she grew in her background, Margie answered, “God only knows.”
How does it feel to have your yard recognized as “Yard of the Month?”
“I was more surprised,” she said and totally unprepared when the Garden Club committee came to her door. “I was just hanging out yesterday and I was eating garlic and everything. I’ll be honest with you, I almost didn’t come to the door.”
