Gardening-Bringing the Outdoors In
Our seventh in a series of articles about gardening in the Cameron area takes us a few miles east of town to the home of Jeron and Barbara Drager. They have owned their 21-acre property since 1980, so they have had time to create a lovely landscape. Jeron and Barbara recently built a new house and of course the landscaping was part of the design in the beginning. They have created a home with unique features that make the outdoor views almost a part of the interior of the house. Large windows and a covered porch on the back make a space that is comfortable and beautiful. Views of the land include several 4 x 8 foot raised beds, numerous large trees and bushes, and many objects used in different ways, such as a cattle trough for a planter. The plants include peonies and a rosebush from Barbara’s great-grandmother, who lived in Winston. Barbara has moved these plants to every home she has had, and they have survived. The porch holds the house plants that enjoy the outdoors during warm weather. Windows from the dining room, living room, and kitchen overlook it all.
Barbara got her start in gardening by following her mother, who had a huge vegetable garden, as well as roses and wisteria. Jeron does most of the digging, but they both enjoy the result. Their future plans include a greenhouse in which to overwinter more plants. Barbara’s advice to other gardeners is to “find good help, and stay out of poison ivy!”
This will be the last of the garden articles for the season, as fall is approaching. I have certainly enjoyed writing and photographing for this series. However, there are many arts-related events happening in the Cameron area, so be on the lookout for profiles of musicians, artists, dancers, writers, and more in the coming weeks.