'And I do a lot of repetitive planting and I like bright.'Īmong perennials she's a fan of are pachysandra evergreens for ground cover, Mandevillas for a tropical look and Curly Fries hostas for how they wisp in the breeze. 'I have a lot of perennials because they're easy and grow back every year. Over the years, the now avid gardener has gotten a feel for what she likes to plant. 'In a world with so much sadness, we all need a little bit of cheer and you're certain to find that here.'ĭuring the growing season, Bialka-Boreen's yard is an art-filled, well-manicured, landscaped setting. 'Outrageous, bright and beautiful - just like Molly,' is how Pullis described the garden. So much so that she nominated her friend, named one of six winners in the 2022-2023 Star Tribune Beautiful Gardens Contest. 'I didn't know a perennial from an annual.'Įven that friend, Bonnie Pullis, was impressed with her mentee. My friend Bonnie, who is an avid gardener, started to teach me how to garden,' recalled Bialka-Boreen. I had set out to kill the weeds, but I killed the whole yard.

But like the character Alice in Lewis Carroll's famous novel, Bialka-Boreen's garden has grown in size and confidence. 'I thought I could have a lot of fun with it.'īialka-Boreen has come a long way, considering she was just a budding green thumb only a few years ago. I like different,' said the Coon Rapids resident. I think the story of Alice is really out there. 'I loved that story as a child and also as an adult. Enter Molly Bialka-Boreen's 'Alice in Wonderland'-themed yard and you feel like you've fallen down the rabbit hole.

Alice in Wonderland by Nancy Christie