Retired couple making the most of newly-found soil
Green Thumbs
Tallulah – David and Teresa Widmeyer thought the beach would be a great place to retire; so as early seniors, they relocated to Brunswick County.
It didn’t take them long to realize that as the cost of living increased – and the number of residents began to soar – it was time to move.
But where could they move and still be in North Carolina, a state they had grown to love?
They began to consider moving to the Smoky Mountains. David had fond memories of family vacations when he was young. His family would go to Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Cherokee. So, they headed west in his quest for a new home.
The Widmeyers found everything they were looking for when they found Graham County.
They wanted an acre or two for fruit and vegetable gardens. They also wanted a rock garden. They weren’t aware that they would have no problem creating a rock garden – and quickly began to excavate an estimated three tons of rock from their fruit and vegetable garden.
They have mastered a fine garden this year. All their seeds were native to the area, planting cucumbers, corn, peaches and six varieties of tomatoes. They have lots of herbs in their garden as well. The blueberries have been a challenge, with the birds winning this year’s crop. The Widmeyers look forward to fall when they will begin canning. They hope to share some of their crops with those in need.
They have fallen in love with Graham County, the beauty and the people. Teresa has some health issues that could be life-threatening and it was a big decision to move so far away from healthcare, but they feel blessed to have settled here.
They have plans to build a greenhouse with native flowers and herbs, and the rock garden is in the works. They hope to build a waterfall, and add more bushes and trees.