Local History: Celia Thaxter and Her Garden

Celia Thaxter and Her Garden
with Terry Cook

Enjoy an in-depth look at Celia Thaxter’s Appledore Island garden! Beginning with Celia’s initial inspiration and to the garden’s reemergence in the 1970s thanks to Dr. John Kinsbury. On through years tended by many caring, dedicated hands to the present day. And finally, the hopes and plans for the future as outlined by Terry Cook, current Celia Thaxter Garden Steward.

About the Presenter
Terry Cook has been involved with the Celia Thaxter Garden for six seasons and was named the Garden Steward five years ago. His involvement with the Garden started during Covid when Appledore Island was closed to the public and a rendition of Celia’s Garden was installed in Prescott Park in Portsmouth. Terry designed and engineered the planting and placement of that garden and assisted in its maintenance and public outreach.

Three years ago, the Garden was returned to its home on Appledore. There Terry oversees the seed and plant acquisition, growing, installation, volunteer coordination, ongoing fundraising efforts, and future planning for the Garden.

Terry has been an active Master Gardener in NH for the past eleven years and has served on various non-profit boards. He is also currently a member of the Newfields Garden Club and the Piscataqua Garden Club, and he serves on the Rockingham Advisory Council for Cooperative Extension. He lives in Newfields, NH, on a fully gardened acre that always has weeds! 

His background encompasses a wide range of interests from photography to botanical pursuits. He grew up on a farm/ranch in Texas, with parents who loved to garden; his first garden was at the age of four and his favorite flower was and still is a classic zinnia.