Patrick and Susan Lattner’s Georgian Colonial home is a beautiful sight year-round, but it levels up each spring when the dazzling azaleas bloom. A tradition since Judge Phillip C. Gould and his wife, Roah, bought the property in 1929, the backyard azalea garden is a showcase along South Roosevelt Drive. It’s also meaningful for the Lattners: Although the couple moved into town from McCutchanville only three years ago, their home has been a part of their lives for far longer.
The Lattners don’t hire help with landscaping — they care for it with their own hands and tools. (They have the know-how: Patrick worked for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. late in his career). The garden hosted Patrick and Susan’s wedding reception 25 years ago, while the red brick home that faces Lincoln Avenue was occupied by Susan’s parents, Joe and Linda Scott. For decades, it’s been a place to reflect and enjoy nature. “We have witnessed lots of prom photo sessions, a couple of weddings, picnics, and parties,” Susan says.
The lush, tranquil space is hemmed in by a hedge standing about 14 feet, and its red, pink, coral, lavender, orange, and white azaleas make company with variegated hostas, knockout roses, creeping phlox, blackeyed Susans, oakwood hydrangeas, irises, several Japanese maples, and a beautiful Japanese cherry tree…