We met Martha at an Open House hosted here at Ashlea House for our neighbour, Ruby Stewart's 90th birthday. Ruby had thought modestly that she would receive perhaps 100 guests so when over 250 showed up, the house was filled to the rafters with well-wishers, laughter, chatter, good food and a wonderful atmosphere of a small community. We had not been here that long and it was very exciting for us, albeit unnerving to have this many people here - they were lined up to the street out front! The ladies from St John's Anglican church and Ruby's family members and friends were on the move, serving food & drink and returning glasses to the kitchen for the quick-rinse cycle through our one dishwasher (250 people!). In the midst of all of this, the bacon-wrapped scallops that were grilling in the oven set the smoke detector in the kitchen off. I ran around assuring people there was no need to be concerned, that we were all under control and returning to the kitchen, saw Martha waving a dishcloth madly at what she thought was the smoke detector. It was actually an extention of the front doorbell that allows us to hear the bell in this very large house. I quietly pointed this out so as not to embarass her and, rather than retreat quietly, she roared with laughter.
That's Martha. Her father, Dr. Keddy was actually, without knowing it, the catalyst for our eventual move to Lunenburg. But that's another story. I can tell you that Martha exudes the same warmth and hospitality today that he showed me over 20 years. A couple of years ago, I asked Martha if she would consider being our gardener (what a grand term!) - we and many other Lunenburgers have expressed gratitude that she accepted. Apparently, we were not doing a good job ourselves, although Lunenburgers were loathe to say so.
As a guest of Ashlea House, we welcome you to stroll the garden and, if she's here, talk to Martha - I'm sure you'll hear a bit of the warm laughter that made our day even brighter back at Ruby's Open House all those years ago. Martha's Garden is a wonderful enhancement to historic Ashlea House. Indulge your senses - take in the beautiful colours, fragrances, sounds and textures with your morning cup of coffee.