Cabernet Inn a Garden Trail winner

In their first year as owners of Cabernet Inn in North Conway, Jessica and Bruce Zarenko, along with master gardener Patty Belcik, received recognition for their colorful gardens in the 2004 Mount Washington Valley Garden Trail competition.Created in the English garden style with indigenous plants, the garden is an eclectic mix of mature perennials and colorful annuals including local favorites such as four colors of Hollyhocks, six varieties of Lilies, yellow and white Shasta Daisies, Lupine, Hostas, and Clematis as well as a few surprises. The Mount Washington Valley Garden Trail competition was introduced in 1962 by the radio station WBNC to encourage local businesses in the beautification of their establishments. Since then the contest has grown to also include home flower and vegetable gardens and encompasses the towns of Albany, Bartlett, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, Fryeburg, Harts Location, Jackson, and Madison.This year, three local citizens, Carol Lyman, Cindy Briggs and Alice Proctor, stepped in to take over the running of the event. In all there were 81 entries in 11 different divisions. Category A included those gardens planted and maintained by the owner, and Category B encompassed those gardens that were designed, planted, and/or maintained by landscapers, gardeners, or nurserymen.Cabernet Inn took first place in the Medium Commercial "B" division for gardens up to 750 square feet. A garden to be proud of and impeccable grounds and garden" were among the judges' comments.The botanical theme carries over into the inn where there are fresh cut flowers on the breakfast tables as well as edible blossoms on your plate. Handmade herbal wreaths adorn the 11 guest room doors, continuing the theme throughout the inn. These wreaths were designed with the individual herbs' symbolic meanings in mind such as Sweet Annie and Roses for love, wild Meadow Pansy and Blue Hydrangea for devotion, and Thyme for unity.Eleven guest rooms feature queen beds, private baths, fireplaces, and Jacuzzis. The comfortable sitting rooms, each with a wood-burning fireplace, offer games, television and a player piano.The Cabernet Inn is located on Route 16/302 at the northern end of North Conway. For more information, visit www.cabernetinn.com, or call (603) 356-4704, or 1-800-866-4704.