Pam Keene shows off her Residential Beautification Award sign
Rose Lane, the home of Rick Fulgham and Pam Keene in Flowery Branch, is this year’s recipient of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Residential Beautification Award. Named in memory of Pam’s mother, whose given name was Rosa and who grew roses, the 3-acre property features 60 hybrid tea long-stemmed rose bushes, more than 100 native and standard azaleas, plus 50 camellias, five varieties of hydrangeas and many other blooming plants. The back yard is crossed by dry creek beds lined with river rocks.
“Mom taught me about gardening from an early age, and even though gardening in Georgia is much different than in Northeast Florida, once you’ve gardened, it’s hard to give it up,” says Pam, who is a national gardening journalist and Hall County Master Gardener. “Our goal was to have interest 365 days a year, and we’ve accomplished that.”
In addition to flowering shrubs, trees and plants, Rick and Pam have multiple raised gardens to grow tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. Their blueberry orchard yielded more than 100 pounds of fruit last summer.
When Pam’s not writing for regional and national magazines, she spends time in Rose Cottage that Rick built for her. She says with a smile, “Just don’t call it a ‘she shed’.” And once you’ve seen it you’ll agree; it’s filled with her mother’s wicker and provides a quiet place to relax with a cup of tea and a good book.
Pam is senior reporter and author of the monthly Curb Appeal gardening column in Lakeside on Lanier.
