Durham Garden
Judith Durham Garden
2716 S. Reynolds
Independence, MO
This garden is a great example of a “big town” garden. A city lot has been transformed into a formal garden full of random splendor. Judy was born and raised in Independence, and has spent 30 years creating this spontaneous yet mature garden landscape. Judy learned her gardening skills from her Mother, who was always planting something new. It’s no surprise then that Judy says, “I’m always changing things – a garden is in constant motion.”
Her garden is set out along formal lines, but the plants are set in at random, creating a lively, spontaneous feel. Although relatively small in size, you will find 250 daylily varieties, 50 peonies, 30 iris and over 100 varieties of daffodils planted between the daylilies, as well as phlox, crape myrtle, clematis, Japanese Maples, Magnolias and a long list of other varieties nestled in to create a unique and personal space. Her tall garden phlox reseed and as long as it stays at the back of the beds, she leaves it alone to grow and mature. In August, the garden is a sea of pink.
Companion plants abound here. Her Lythrum, or loosestrife, provides tall pink spires and blooms for a good two months. Her many clematis provide height and textural variety. Clematis ‘Arabella’ has small lavender blue flowers and blooms all summer – and is one of Judy’s favorites. Judy grows many of the newest daylily cultivars, each a beautiful example of modern hybridizing, but her favorite of all time is Bomar’s ‘Pink Ruffled Love’ from 1996, listed as “height 18", bloom 6", season EM, Dormant, Diploid, Fragrant, Pink with rose halo and green throat.” Judy’s description: “Great color, wonderful form, round flat flowers, heavy texture and that elusive element: The Wow Factor!”
Judy became interested in daylilies more or less accidentally – or perhaps it was divine intervention! At any rate, she was driving down the road one day and spotted a woman working in her garden. She stopped to talk with the woman and admire her garden. Judy had grown daylilies in the past, but not the kind she saw in this garden. The local daylily club held its garden tour the next day and Judy’s new friend invited her to come along to see other local gardens. Judy became an AHS member on the spot. The rest, as they say, is history for this avid collector.
We invite you to step into Judy’s world and view her garden-a creation in constant motion. If you stand still for just an instant, this garden may move you!