Gail Cummings, a gardening enthusiast from St. Martins, has been recognized for her exceptional green thumb. In 2026, she was awarded the prestigious Garden of the Season title by the Bittersweet Garden Club for her summer garden. This achievement is a testament to her dedication and creativity, as she has found innovative ways to garden even in the harshest of winters. Cummings' passion for gardening began early, with fond memories of picking green beans as a child and a deep-rooted love for the process of growing crops. Her current garden spans 1.1 acres, featuring a vegetable garden, perennials, and annuals, all carefully arranged to take advantage of the varying sun and shade areas.
What makes Cummings' garden truly remarkable is her ability to start seeds indoors, even in the cold months. By using grow lights in her basement, she can initiate the growth process and then transplant the seedlings into pots and eventually into the ground. This technique not only ensures a head start for her plants but also showcases her adaptability and resourcefulness. Her love for gardening is evident in her enthusiasm for starting seeds, which she describes as a 'miracle'.
The Garden of the Season recognition, presented by the Garden Club, is a highly coveted award. It celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of gardens, considering factors such as bloom times, layout, and overall aesthetics. Linda Bledsoe, co-chair of the Garden of the Season committee, emphasizes the importance of evaluating gardens based on their bloom times and the surrounding landscape. The committee's rigorous process involves driving around to inspect gardens, ensuring they meet the criteria of having flowers and bushes on all four sides of the property.
Cummings' achievement is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity in gardening. Her ability to adapt to different seasons and her love for the process of growing plants have earned her this well-deserved recognition. As she continues to nurture her garden, Cummings inspires others to embrace their green thumbs and explore the wonders of gardening, no matter the season.
