By Peter Clayton

Each month, the St. Augustine Garden Club, founded in 1926 and one of Florida’s oldest, recognizes a
“special” gardener with a Garden of the Month Award – Andrea Kohn, who lives on Marshside Drive,
received the honor for May.

Andrea and husband Kevin have always maintained a lovely yard, but Covid presented the opportunity for serious planning, beginning with the installation of a metal fence to enclose their back and side yards to plant flowers and shrubs without the concern of deer munching them or golfers pursuing their errant shots on #17.

Andrea’s landscape goals were to attract butterflies, not use chemicals, utilize shade where provided and
trim and clear where needed. Kevin built an herb box, a stand for her big planters and dug holes. Walking
buddy, Roberta Hicks, provided information, encouragement and the “Be Kind” sign in the front yard. Her
neighbors have learned much in the process as Andrea, like any real gardener, loves sharing her passion.

Recognizing that many residents share that passion, Spoonbill Neighbors created a Garden Group which
is led by Helen Borisoff, a Marshside North resident. With over 20 members, Helen has involved them in a variety of activities. The group meets quarterly and helps all levels of gardeners pursue their interest.

If you are not yet, and wish to become, a member of a Spoonbill Neighbors’ groups, please contact Meri-Kathryn Peed (mkpeed@aol.com) or Louise Nelson (lzn@mindspring.com) with your name, home address, contact number, email address and indicate which groups you’d like to join.