Delaware Couple Has Cultivated the Extraordinary Garden Oasis
May 24, 2023
source: HELEN NORMAN
Helen and Jerry Unruh, a couple from Odessa, Delaware, have spent more than 40 years growing a beautiful collection of 1,700 azaleas in their yard. Their love story started with a long-distance relationship where Jerry would send a rose to Helen every day. After two years, he sent a rose with a card that asked Helen to marry him. This romantic gesture in 1975 marked the beginning of their lasting partnership. Even today, Jerry continues to support his wife’s love for flowers, resulting in the impressive display of azalea bushes in their 1 1/4-acre property.
The Unruhs’ azalea garden is a breathtaking sight, especially in the spring when the bushes bloom with a variety of colors. Helen describes them as “beautiful things” that bring immense joy and a deep appreciation for life. Jerry, a veteran of World War II, already had 85 azalea bushes before they got married, and Helen’s love for the flowers inspired him to plant more. When Helen moved into their home, she expressed her fondness for azaleas and asked if they could have more. Jerry happily obliged, and over the years, they ended up with a staggering total of 1,700 bushes. They are placed around their house’s foundation, trees they planted themselves, along the hedgerow, and following the fence line.
Jerry often came across new azalea bushes during his work as a well-drilling company owner. In his spare time, he would visit nearby nurseries or make deals with customers who had plants in their yards. He recalls buying azaleas for as little as $5 or $10, including one that was tall and six feet wide. Each time Jerry brought home new azaleas, Helen was thrilled, and she joined him in taking care of the garden. Their joint efforts resulted in a garden that not only represents their many years together but also shows the love and care they have for the garden and each other.
In April and May, the azalea bushes come alive with vibrant colors, ranging from white and purple to different shades of red. Jerry is particularly fond of the red ones, while Helen loves them all and can’t pick a favorite. Their garden has become locally famous, attracting many visitors during peak blooming season. The Unruhs warmly welcome these visitors, often hosting dozens of them each day and causing a line of cars on U.S. 13. Jerry regrets not having a guestbook for visitors to sign, as many come back year after year to see the spectacle. Now aged 97 and 86, Jerry and Helen still find joy in taking care of their garden, although the workload decreases each week. The older, well-established azaleas need minimal attention as they have become self-sufficient and tower above the rooftop.
To Helen and Jerry, their life’s work of nurturing the azaleas has reached a point where the bushes take care of them. Helen finds comfort and purpose in the blooming of these beautiful flowers each spring, reminding her of the beauty life can offer. Their garden is a clear symbol of how much they love and care for it, and how happy it makes them to nurture and grow the beautiful things that nature provides.