Peters Family Wins Calla Lily Award

Peters residents Roberta Renzelli-Cain, M.D. and husband James Cain, M.D., of Sherborne Drive, won the first Calla Lily Award this summer, presented by the Lexington Court Garden Club.

Renzelli-Cain was given the award Monday by Kathy Tomamichel, Calla Lily chairwoman and garden club member.

Annually, several local homeowners and businesses are awarded by the garden club for outstanding flower/landscape displays. Founded in 1989, the club is a group of approximately 30-40 women who meet September through May at .

Upon arrival to the Cain residence Monday, powder pink hydrangeas sat as pretty pops of color among the shades of greenery.

A very humble Renzelli-Cain said topiary roses are her favorite flowers to grow—for their old-fashioned elegance. Gardening is therapeutic, she said.

“There’s something very much alike with being a mother, a baby doctor and a gardener. Something’s planted, you nurture it and watch it grow.”

With four children, including a 7-month-old daughter, and her busy work schedule, she laughed at her normal gardening hours.

Early morning or midnight gardening is typical, she said.

“My neighbors will say ‘Oh, that’s just Roberta out there with the hose again!’”

In regard to her favorite blossom—topiary roses—she said they are not the heartiest and require a lot of care. Considering the spring’s heavy rain and the summer’s stifling heat, it was tough, she said.

The Lexington Court Garden Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month (September through May) at St. David’s Anglican Church from 12:30-3 p.m.

Tomamichel said the club welcomes all interested gardeners to the meetings, and has babysitting available if arranged in advance.

In 1989, Elaine Webb founded the club. She and several residents of Lexington Court began the organization because of “their interest in the preservation and beautification of the outdoors and nature,” according to Tomamichel.

Originally, the membership was open to residents of Jonathan Drive, Clubview Drive, Royal Place, Belin Drive, Bethany Drive and Lisa Court. Board approval was needed for membership from other neighborhoods, Tomamichel said.

Now the club consists of members living in Canonsburg, Amity, Collier, the state of Michigan and Peters.

There are several Calla Lily awards Tomamichel plans to distribute this summer. If you’d like to nominate properties for this award, or for membership information, email tomamichel100@comcast.net.