b'Delightful garden(continued from page 3) His plan to put pandemic smilesAt the age of 10 or 12, Johns inter-They sent John a catalogue and he went beserk! hisonpeoplesfaceshasbeenabigest in gardening blossomed. He asked wife Joan laughs. I kept asking, Are we done yet? success. his father if he could plan the gardens Twelve large pots of flowers, predominantly cheerfulWhile some locals walk by everyat their new home and reluctantly he yellow with purple accents, are interspersed between thedaytoadmirethegardenandseesaid yes. Young John showed natural statues. The Manks painted their front door a bright yellowwhatsnew,Joansaidothersdrivetalent for landscaping and his father colour and there are yellow striped pillows on the porchby slowly and go around the blockwas not disappointed. furniture. The retired couple often sit there to watch thea few times, trying to take it all in.By the age of 14, John was work-happy looks on the faces of visitors, young and old, who arePeople come from far and wide toing at a garden centre. I learned a lot delighted by the amazing display. There are many compli- enjoy viewing this unique garden inthere, he said.ments and some people ask questions about the animals,a COVID safe manner. Gardeninghasbeenalifelong the flowers and the colour scheme. Its become a destination, Joanhobby for 78-year-old John, a retired Yellow is bright and cheery, John noted. And peopledescribed. food broker. John and Joan moved to of all ages like animals. The first acquisition was a statuetheir Port Perry home 29 years ago. of a Boston terrier, which resemblesThey raised three sons.their pet dog Maddie. You will findThe Manks look forward to each him lifting his little resin leg on theBoth John and Joan are fond of thespring, when they can get their col-fire hydrant. deer. John is also partial to the otterlectionoffigurinesoutofstorage The last purchase was a lion andthat is depicted fishing in the pondinthegarage,orderflowersfrom her cub. Like all of the figurines, it is-less waterfall. Century Home Home & Garden here very realistic and in authentic colours. Ilovethesoundofthewater- in Port, and create something beauti-Joansfavouriteisthestatueoffall,Joansaid.Itcreatesaniceful and interesting for all to enjoy.a girl with her arms open, lookingambience. What else would you expect from up to the sky. There are birds on herThe penguin is really cute too,people who grew hundreds of cheer-arms.ItiscalledTotheGloryofshe added. And I love the yellowfulyellowdaffodilsontheirtwo God, which Joan pointed out is verypop of colour in the flowers. Im theacre property near Aurora 30 years appropriatesinceallgardensaresous chef of gardening. Its been greatago,justtobrightentheworldfor God given, and animals are all Godsto be married to a gardener (who alsopassersby?creations. likes to cook) for 55 years. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogRepairs and ServiceVehicle CertificationsCHECK OUT OUR AIRTruck RentalCONDITIONING SPECIALS! Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm ALIGNMENTSBRAKESTUNE UPSEXHAUST1511 Reach Street, Port Perry905-985-1999info@portperryautomotive.comwww.portperryautomotive.com4FOCUS - JULY 2021'