Phoebe enjoys spending time in the garden with her grandchildren, exposing them to nature's many treasures. The youngest, Jackson Darling and Hannah Blackston, love catching butterflies and other bugs.

The Blackstons want their grandchildren to feel welcome and enjoy the yard.

Phoebe Blackston knows flowers, and her abundant autumn garden reflects it.

I first met Mrs. Blackston when I was 4 or 5 years old. She was the mother of my two best friends, Ray and Ted. We lived on the same street in Mobile, Alabama. Even in my youth, I appreciated Phoebe's gift for gardening. She grew beautiful tulips, and all the neighbors would gather to admire them.

The Blackstons and my family moved away from Mobile, but we stayed in touch. I recently visited them at their Greenville, South Carolina, home. As I pulled in the driveway, it was evident that Phoebe was still gardening. She and her husband, Charles, greeted me with big smiles and hugs and gave me a grand tour of the yard. The border on the side of the house overflowed with bright flowers and glowing foliage, creating an impressive show.

It Takes Teamwork
The couple enjoys spending time together in the garden. They blend their talents while nurturing the plant-filled yard. Charles specializes in grass cutting, irrigation-system repair, and tree and shrub planting. Phoebe takes care of the annuals and perennials. She also enjoys buying plants, always looking out for bargains or new and unusual specimens. "When Phoebe goes shopping, there's no telling what she'll get," says Charles. "Each time she returns, her trunk is full."

left: Mexican bush sage and yellow chrysanthemums make an easy yet striking fall combination. right: Sedum's rusty red, broccoli-like blooms and its thick, sturdy stems help support this pink dahlia blossom.