Backstories - Compact Gem

Portsmouth, New Hampshire has been around for a long time. Founded in 1623, it's celebrating its quadricentennial this year. That's quite a bit of history!

The historic downtown is dotted with noteworthy sights, and you'll find signature New England scenes seemingly around every corner. To my eye, though, the loveliest spot in town is a little gem on the waterfront: Prescott Park. 

The park was conceived of, created, and funded by two sisters, Josie and Sarah Prescott, in the 1930s. It was willed to the city in 1954.

In what had once been a rundown and not-so-very-reputable part of town, now stands ten-acres about which Portsmouth can be very proud. 

The park includes a variety of garden spaces, including the one pictured here: the Formal Garden. It's compact but absolutely stunning, featuring massive, mature specimen crabapple trees and three pools which each contain a fountain. Thousands of annuals are planted each spring, which complement perennials such as heliopsis, hibiscus, and phlox. Red brick walkways weave through the garden, and white benches along the perimeter invite you to sit and linger. 

My husband and I were married in the Formal Garden, so not only do I appreciate its beauty and tranquility, but I also have a sentimental attachment to the place.

This image anchors one of the Friendship Gift designs you'll find in the store. There are several which share a common theme: Friends are the Flower's in Life's Garden.

The children in my church in New Hampshire used to sing a song during Sunday School about friends being flowers in the garden of life...

The plaque is pictured below. For more information about the piece, click on the image.

To see all the Friendship Gifts, follow the link:

Personalized Friendship Plaques