As part of Hummelstown’s 250th Anniversary celebration in July, six distinctive homes and seven unique gardens will be featured in a home and garden tour:
- Matlack House, built in 1872 in the Italianate style for Enoch and Lydia Matlack who owned a tannery on the banks of the Swatara Creek.
- Henderson House, a three story brick townhouse of Greek revival influence, replaced a log structure in 1849. David Early began restoring the building in 2004 and now lives in the upper floors.
- Stanton Gardens hides behind a modest ranch home and must be seen to be appreciated. The first 200 visitors will receive a free hosta plant from the Susquehanna Hosta Society. Cassel Wineries of Hershey will offer wine-tasting there.
- Krasuski Garden has a diversity of plantings creating a beautiful visual flow in the large yard. West Hanover Winery will offer tasting under the gazebo.
- Lotwick House is a charming piece of Hummelstown history. The property first appeared on the tax records in 1755. It is told that George Washington stopped there in 1793 on his way to quell the Whiskey Rebellion.
- Lelii Garden, one block off Main Street, has a very nice paver patio planted with shade-loving annuals and shrubbery, featuring a mushroom water feature and a gazebo hot tub.
- Tebera Garden highlights a creative use of bricks. The entire garden was graded and planted by hand by the owner. The extensive use of perennial plantings reduces the need for maintenance with color provided by container annuals.
- Smith/Hagenbuch Garden is handmade starting with the hand forging of the fence and gates as well as the trellis. The plantings were designed to emulate an English Garden. Note the landscape plan and photo album available on site.
- Fenical Home and Garden allows you to see what the homes looked like in the 1880’s, the Victorian period. Once through the home, you can enjoy the small private retreat which has evolved over the years with mature trees and colorful koi in the pond.
- Brandt House, built around the turn of the 20th century, had changed little until 2005 when the present owner modified the original layout with materials chosen to match those of the original house.
- Ricker/Faust House, next door to the Brandt House, is a handsome two-unit built in 1892. It has had many renovations, but many original features have survived, including interior doors and cabinetry. The gardens in the back have been transformed into a showcase for the marriage of rocks and plants that creates a bucolic setting.
- Patton Garden is a lovely place where the owner goes to escape the stresses of daily life. Throughout the garden are fountains, statues, birdhouses and lighting to color the area at night.
The Hummelstown Home and Garden Tour is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 22. For more information, visit www.hummelstown250.com.
Jay Stanton of Hummelstown is a gardener.
Continue Reading
