In gardening, few awards count as high as the Reader Garden Award. It honors those who grow more than plants. It honors beauty, green care, and fresh ideas. This year, the award went to Tingshu Hu and Philip Zhao. Their garden shows art and care for nature. They shared many smart ideas during a recent tour.
A Colorful Transformation
Tingshu and Philip’s garden glows with many bright hues. Plants sit close to each other in neat rows. In 2016, they changed their open lawn. They cut out large pines and built a new gate. They added blue spruces and many perennials. Tingshu said, "We put blue spruces and many perennials." They care for life in their garden.
The Power of Composting
Tingshu loves plants and runs the compost plan. They keep 30 to 40 chickens. The chickens give manure every day. The manure fills their bins. Rich soil makes their flowers and vegetables strong. The compost is ready in six to eight months. This plan helps their garden stay healthy.
An Ecological Duo
Tingshu and Philip work as one. Tingshu knows plants well; Philip builds new features. They set up a small fish pond with a two-part filter. The filter takes fish food and gives clear water to plants. Philip said, "It takes nutrients and gives back clear water." The pond helps plants grow and keeps nature balanced.
Integration of Beauty and Functionality
Each part of the garden has its own job. The space shows both charm and use. They built a glass room that traps winter light. This helps warm their home. They also use small, smart mowers. The mower cuts near a guide that makes the edge neat.
Challenges and Triumphs
Their work had hard parts. They had to stop pests like rabbits. Rabbits tried to eat the plants. The pair made a barrier with chicken wire. They dug it three to four inches deep. Philip said, "The line tells pests to turn away." The fix guards their hard work.
Diversity in Planting
The pair tries many ways to plant. They mix low-growing plants with yearly blooms and vegetables. Tingshu said some plants have grown for 14 years. They also grow a rare type of stem lettuce. This mix brings new food to their garden.
A Collective Journey
They work as a team. Both share a love for their work. Their care makes the garden grow well. Their joint work adds art to the yard and care for nature.
Tingshu Hu and Philip Zhao show that gardening is art. They mix green care and smart plans in every step. Their win of the 2023 Reader Garden Award shows their aim for kind, green gardens. We expect to see more work from them in the coming seasons.
About Steve’s Property Maintenance
Steve’s Property Maintenance is a trusted lawn care and landscaping service provider dedicated to keeping properties in top condition across New London County, Connecticut. With a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and top-quality service, we specialize in lawn care, yard maintenance, landscaping, power washing, and more. Our team is committed to delivering lush, healthy lawns and pristine outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
📍 Serving: Norwich, Preston, Groton, Stonington, Waterford, Mystic, and surrounding areas.
📞 Contact us at +1 (860) 847-3441 for a free quote and let us take care of your lawn care needs!
