The Saucon Valley Conservancy cordially invites you to attend the dedication of the Heller Homestead Herb Garden on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. in memory of Heller descendent, Wilson R. Heller, the great-great-great grandson of Christopher Heller and father of Conservancy Co-founder, Mrs. Terri (Heller) Koch. [See below for information on the four-square herb garden.] Wilson R. Heller was born January 20, 1917 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Edgar and Grace L. (Deubler) Heller. He married Natalie R. Rinehart on May 19, 1940 in Mountainhome Methodist Church, Mountainhome, Pennsylvania. Natalie (Terri Koch's mother) died July 27, 1980. In January of 1981, Mr. Heller married Dorothy Miller in Florida. During WW II, Mr. Heller worked at the Sun Shipyard in Chester, Pennsylvania, building ships for the war. He lived in the Poconos and worked as a plumber - pipefitter. In 1981, he retired and moved to Florida. He sold small appliances at flea markets until his death in 2000. His daughter, Terri (Heller) Koch is a founding member of the Saucon Valley Conservancy and wife of Ralph Koch, president of the Conservancy.
The project begins in summer of 2001
Garden design and research: Ken Raniere
The four-square herb garden is a typical aspect of Pennsylvania German farm life at the Michael Heller Homestead. Specifically grown herbs were used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Flowers and vegetables were also grown in this 'kitchen garden', which was traditionally tended by the farmer's wife. Vegetables were stored in the nearby, below ground root cellar. The origin of 'four squares' The theory of four-square gardens was based on European practices seen in Medieval cloisters and monasteries. Raised, square beds were easily planted, tended and harvested from all sides. Heller Homestead's four-square herb garden The garden is situated on the same imaginary line as the main house, the Widow's house and the barn with mathematical precision. The garden is 24 feet square with 24-inch wide paths throughout. The paths are covered with a mulch material for drainage and as a weed preventative. The beds are raised 6 to 8 inches enabling soil to drain, especially in spring when weather is wet and early planting begins. Garden gates on the north and south sections of the garden are kept closed by a gate keep. Above these gates are trellised arbors for vining plants like climbing roses and honeysuckle. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Saucon Valley Conservancy, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization founded January 7, 1993, is dedicated to preserving and maintaining properties of historical significance and to helping conserve natural resources within the Saucon Creek corridor. Help is always needed and volunteers are a vital part of the Conservancy's success. Directions:
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