July 11, 2002
Harry Mallette, 82, of the Rocky Run community in Centreville takes pride in his flower garden he has nurtured for 12 years.
Harry has faithfully planted, watered, and nurtured his garden that contains 18 species of flowers. He grows purple rockets that bloom from the top down; crocosmia — "a feast for hummingbirds between 4 and 5 p.m. everyday," he says.
Then there's the popular red, white and pink begonias and blue zenias that are now in full bloom after being planted in April.
"The [Easter] lilies are tall enough so I just removed the fence used to keep the rabbits from eating them," he says.
One of the "most beautiful flowers" as Harry calls them are the morning glories, which only bloom in the morning and close after the sun rises.
"The gladiolas are just opening," he said, and a trail of pink, magenta, yellow and white holly hocks are lined against his wall to grow like a vine.
Harry says that "The flowers not only attract birds such as hummingbirds but I have also seen the Goldfinches eating the petals off of my zenias."
Originally from Jamaica, Mallette, with the help of his wife Claudette, keeps the soil moist by early morning or late evening watering. In cases of extreme heat, they get watered twice a day.
The garden was landscaped with the help of his son Steven Patrick, a resident of Dulles.
Harry and Claudette are now both retired — Harry from the Walker Publishing Company in 1986 and Claudette from Mobil Oil Company when it merged with Exxon.
Harry acquired his love of gardens 30 years ago from his English mother. When he's not gardening, he also volunteers at Birmingham Green Nursing Home twice a week — reading poetry and Psalms from the Bible to any one who will listen.
The Mallette's garden is in full bloom for anyone interested in seeing it. The address is 5606 Birchleaf Park Court, Centreville.