Since 1982, Mary Booth Cabot has worked tirelessly on her garden in the northern part of Roswell, weeding and tending to a host of flowers, especially her hydrangeas. Last Saturday, her hard work paid off in the form of recognition from the American Hydrangea Society.

It was part of a tour the society puts together every year on the second Saturday of June since this is the peak blooming season for the perennial.

Such recognition is usually showered on work of professionals, but Cabot designed and sculpted her garden without any professional guidance. In fact, she said, the recognition came of a bit of surprise.

“I was not a member of the society, but I knew a few of the ladies who are members because they are my clients,” Booth Cabot said. In addition to laboring over her precious garden, Booth Cabot also is a painter. She said the inspiration she gets from seeing her garden bloom is reflected in her artwork.

“Gardening is a form of creativity; you’re creating beauty,” Booth Cabot said. “I think plant people are great people because they know that the grounding and work connects us to mother earth. You have a deep appreciation for what’s good and beautiful in life. Well, at least it makes me feel better.”

The American Hydrangea Society was created in 1994 to allow hydrangea lovers to share ideas about their gardening and enjoy each other’s work.

Inez Austin has journeyed from her Silver Springs, Md. almost every year since the inception of the society to see the gardens on the tour.

“This is the center of hydrangeas,” Austin said, referring to Atlanta being somewhat of a mecca when it comes to hydrangea gardening. “I make a point to come every year to see what’s to be seen,” she said with a smile. She added that the gardens on this year’s tour were just as impressive as those on previous tours.

Cabot’s neighbor and friend Diane Consuegra had nothing but kind words for Booth Cabot and a deep admiration for her work.

“I garden myself and I love it, but it’s not an off-the-charts garden like [Booth Cabot’s]," Consuegra laughed, as she pointed to the varieties of hydrangeas in Booth Cabot’s garden. “It’s a piece of paradise. I know how much hard work she put into this; it’s truly a gift of God.”

Added Sue Dupart, “For people who love hydrangeas, this is always a great day.”

Cabot was absolutely tickled and surprised when she learned of the compliments that were being bandied about by those who toured her garden. She recalled her interest in gardening being rooted in the times she spent with her grandmother, who was somewhat of an Atlanta legacy. She was a member of the first garden show in Atlanta during the 1920s.

“My grandmother grew flowers for her church sanctuary,” Booth Cabot said. “I grew up in her garden and that started my love of it.”

Cabot’s garden was one of six featured on this year’s tour. Others were Michele Morel and Mary and Roger Starnes of Johns Creek; Virginia Anne Holmes of Atlanta; and Randy and Stan Molenicki of Sandy Springs. Also, recognized was the garden of Nilda Winiarski, also of Roswell, who worked with Morel, a professional landscape designer on her garden.

Since Booth Cabot had no professional help in making her garden what many called an "oasis of peace," visitors Saturday were in awe that she was able to do it all by herself.

“I remember spending three and a half weeks doing nothing but weeding,” Booth Cabot said. “All I could do afterwards was eat and go to sleep,” she laughed.

Her efforts were worth it, agreed Armond and Glynda Hankins. 

“We love it,” Glynda said. “We live in Lawrenceville, but the drive is worth it. Where else do you get the chance to go into other’s backyards and see their work? There is a certain intimacy to it and it is inspiring. I get my own ideas from it.”