McMurtry Shares her Passion for Gardening

Spring and summer provide an abundance of color from the beauty of flowers and tailored landscapes to the sprouting vegetable gardens.

Oaklander Catherine McMurtry has enjoyed gardening for many years, both floral and vegetable. Her and her late husband Ernest are parents to six now adult children. “With having six kids, we had to have a garden,” stated Catherine.

Their garden was in Norfolk at her parent’s house. They grew a variety of vegetables to feed their family. “We planted many vegetables, including tomatoes and potatoes,” Catherine said.

Her other passion is growing flowers of many varieties, creating beautiful flowerbeds throughout her yard. She also has a fiberglass bathtub to plant flowers in. “I have planted zinnias in it. They got very tall. I don’t know why, maybe something in the soil,” Catherine stated.

Another one of her favorite flowers is the wave petunia. “They don’t have to be deadheaded. I have grown pink, white and purple petunias,” said Catherine.

She has also had random flowers grow that weren’t planted by her. “Squirrels, birds, water and wind can carry many things, including flower seeds,” Catherine stated.

Catherine has also been a member of the Oakland Garden Club since she retired from her teaching career in 2002. She currently holds the secretary position and has for many years.

The Garden Club has many flowerbeds at the Oakland Park, beautifying the park for all to enjoy. Catherine maintains one of the beds at the park, planting flowers, especially petunias and tulips, watering them and pulling the weeds. The Garden Club has many members, each pitching in to keep the park a very colorful sight for everyone’s eyes.

Catherine also has grown many bushes and trees over the years. “I believe in planting all native trees and bushes, something from this area. The birds, butterflies and insects live on them,” Catherine stated.

She has a piece of advice for those trying to find the best type of flowers to plant, especially for the older individuals. “Plant perennials. It is wonderful to have plants that come back year after year. Two of my favorites are mums and tulips,” Catherine said.

If you would like to become a member of the Oakland Garden Club, contact Catherine or many of the other members.

A different colored tulip. Photo courtesy of Catherine McMurtry.

Liver wart flower, an early bloomer in the shade. Photo courtesy of Catherine McMurtry.

Ginko tree. Photo courtesy of Catherine McMurtry.

Tulip, one of her favorite flowers. Photo courtesy of Catherine McMurtry.