Raised garden beds contain tomatoes, potatoes, beans, peas, peppers, roses and more.

Dr. Delvin Hornbeck was a respected and loved dentist in Tryon for many years. His office was located on the corner of New Market and Vista Terrace, just a stone’s throw away from Side Street Pizza, where he served so many in this community with his professionalism and his kindness.

Dr. Hornbeck sold his dentist building after he retired. Gary and Judi Heim purchased the building from him. They own the home on Vista Terrace, right next to his office. They were thrilled to be able to make it a part of their homestead, using part of the building as a woodshop for Gary for his newly formed woodworking business, and the other part of the building as an overflow, one bedroom apartment for whenever company and family come to visit.

Gary and Judi assured Dr. Hornbeck, when they purchased his office, that they would cherish the building and maintain the same sense of community and respect for his property, just as he had done through the years, and Gary and Judi have done just that. But they wanted a special way to let the community know how grateful they were for Dr. Hornbeck’s property, and to give a thank you back to him for his many years to this community.

So, they decided to dedicate their garden space to Dr. Hornbeck in a special way. They have built five raised bed garden areas as well as a hosta and fern garden, and a rose and flower garden. Being aware of how much Dr. Hornbeck shared with the community all of those years, Gary and Judi have made the garden a neighborhood garden, offering the vegetables, fruits and various plantings and flowers, to all of the families that live on Vista Terrace.

There are only six homes on this little street, and all of the residents care for this garden area, then reap the rewards together. In fact, they have neighborhood gatherings and share the foods and flowers together. It is done in the spirit and honor of Dr. Hornbeck, who offered so much, to so many, in this little community.

A wooden sign has been created and sits proudly on one of the raised bed garden boxes. The name ‘Hornbeck Hill and Hollow’ came to Judi as she looked across the street from the building and saw the large hill in front of them dropping down into the sweet hollow of their land. If you look closely you will also see a colorful seating area surrounding an enclosed, safe, fire pit in the background, where the dental assistants used to park. This is where the neighbors and friends all gather to roast marshmallows and spend time together.

Thank you, Dr. Hornbeck. Our respect and honor continues to grow for you, figuratively and literally, in the form of tomatoes, potatoes, beans, peas, peppers, roses, and even the beautiful gardenia bushes that you had planted yourself so many years ago.

-Submitted by Judi and Gary Heim