HISTORY OF THE PICKARD AND PEDRICK-LAWSON GARDENS
When the Society acquired Pickard House in 1967 the grounds consisted of old trees and shrubs with no real gardens. A garage removed in 1998 occupied the southwest corner of the back yard. After the Pickard House renovation was completed in 1999, Earle Scott designed, planted, and maintained the gardens and shrubbery around the house and yard.
Miss Lawson bequeathed her home, Pedrick-Lawson House, to the Society in 1976. she was an expert gardener who was famous for the Christmas roses she grew for sale. She had several gardens and shrubs, including currants, gooseberries, peonies, and roses, which the Society inherited. We have been fortunate to have expert volunteer gardeners, who have cared for the gardens since her death. They maintain existing plants and develop new plantings appropriate for the age of the house as they are needed. Earl and Betty Rasmussen, Leone Hoffman, and Neola Hannaford were the chief early volunteers. When Earle Scott joined the gardeners in about 1987, Leone was his mentor, leaving him with an appreciation of the historical and educational value of the plantings. As Leone retired from active participation as a Society gardener Earle gradually took over and almost single-handedly continued to research, develop, and maintain all our plantings until his health failed in October of 2001, a span of over ten years. At present the Society has several volunteer gardeners who plan and maintain our plantings. Each gardener has chosen, or adopted, one or more areas. Some of the areas at Pedrick-Lawson House are still available and hoping to be adopted. Volunteers need not be experienced gardeners.