Master Gardener Spotlight on Nassau Gardens – Sandra and Gary Jaques

UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension Service
Information and Photos
Courtesy of Elizabeth Wilkes
www.elizabethwilkesphotography.com
April 7, 2018 9:33 a.m.

Sandra and Gary Jaques

Sandra and Gary Jaques have lived in Bryceville for 45 years. When they arrived on their property it had very few plants with only a small cluster of trees in one corner – it was mostly an open field. But Sandra and Gary looked at this challenge as a blank canvas and they were excited to build their house, dig a recreation pond and plant dozens and dozens of trees and flowers. The one building on the site was an old barn which they used for their horses and storage of hay. While the barn would eventually be transformed into their current home, they lived in a trailer. Sandra is now a retired nurse and Gary has retired from Rayonier where he was a union pipe fitter.

 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Wilkes.

They now have a real vegetable garden with a beautiful pond and a landscape full of native plants and trees. Many fun hours have been spent on the dock overlooking their pond. One special palm tree was planted across the pond which they brought from Amelia Island. The weather vane on the house was made by Gary who loves to tinker and design things. The white spirea bridal wreath shrub is strategically planted is between 2 large pines which make the scene look just like a picture frame. A large, white native azalea is very striking among dozen of other native flame, pink, and coral colored azaleas. The large, white flowers of the Cherokee rose vine show off every spring. Growing all along the banks of the pond are stunning native purple iris.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Wilkes www.elizabethwilkesphotography.com

One of the loveliest areas is the grassy section of the property located in the front yard which are full of azaleas and a dogwood tree. One other tree to catch one’s eye is the native fringe tree often called “Old Man’s Beard.” They purposely planted a cold-hardy citrus called a Calamondin. This citrus is prized for its ornamental tree structure and the sour fruit is often used in ethnic cooking. Peaking out of the flower beds is a special terrestrial orchid called the Nun’s orchid but it will need to be protected if temperatures drop near freezing.

The photo of Sandra and Gary is in front of the Flame Azalea. They have enjoyed designing and maintaining their beautiful garden and yard.

“Spotlight on Nassau Gardens,” is a monthly recognition program of the UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension Service, featuring the beautiful gardens and plants grown by Nassau County residents. To be considered, send a digital photo with a description of your “Spotlight,” along with your name, address, and phone number to [email protected]. For more information, call the Extension office at 904-530-6353.