A Timeless Gift Rooted in Love: Maloy Garden #4 on the Azalea Tour
Tucked amid a canopy of old trees on pretty Mimosa Place in the Forest Hills neighborhood stands the enchanting home of Jane and Tom Maloy—Garden #4 on the upcoming 72nd Annual Azalea Garden Tour hosted by the Cape Fear Garden Club, happening April 4–6, 2025.
The welcoming front stairs of Tennessee Fieldstone invite you in. This marks the Maloy’s’ fourth time participating in the Azalea Garden Tour, having opened their garden to the public in 1986. It was their dear friend Maryann Robison, a fellow garden enthusiast and Tour organizer now passed, who inspired them with the words: “This is your gift to the community.” That message took root and blossomed. For Jane and Tom, this garden is more than blooms and pathways—it’s an offering of beauty, connection, and legacy.
Their 1931 English Tudor-style home, fondly called The Hutaff House, was initially built by Mr. Oliver Cromwell Hutaff and given as a wedding gift to his son and daughter-in-law. Note the intricate brickwork around the doorway and the protective statue nestled in a niche above the front windows. Jane and Tom became the second property owners in 1982. Now in their eighth decade and having been married for 54 years, the Maloy’s raised their two children here. Her daughter lives nearby with her husband, and son lives in Houston with his wife.
A quaint patio to the left of the front door was expanded to eliminate an awkward step-down. Tennessee Crab Orchard flagstone was laid by mason Chris Stone (yes, that’s his real name) to match the existing patio in the back. A waterfall fountain providing background ambiance makes it an excellent place for morning coffee, sitting and visiting with neighbors, or having cocktails in the evening.
Behind the house, the original flagstone terrace just off the living and breakfast rooms has been lovingly maintained, with a tiered fountain adding the soothing sound of flowing water to the garden’s symphony of life. This vibrant, personality-filled garden is a labor of love and a true collaboration. Jane, a proud member of the Forest Hills Garden Club since 1982, and her husband Tom—who co-manages their farm 35 miles away with Rob Robinson—have cultivated this unique space with the expert guidance of Mr. Laurie Walker of The English Gardener, whose horticultural knowledge adds depth and charm to every corner.
Curving pathways of Oklahoma Blue and Brown Flagstone with long pieces of Oklahoma Brown Edging snake through the property, giving easy access.
Along the way are places to sit, reflect, and BE in the garden.
Although the yellow Lady Bankshire roses that once adorned the metal gazebo have faded with time, new roses now climb their way upward.
Jane’s favorite place is in the charming potting shed Tom built with his engineer friend, Bob Martin, in 1999. Tom put on the little red roof by himself with tools borrowed from a neighbor. Outside the potting shed, the lush foliage embraces a now-silent fountain next to a cherub Jane’s sister Judy gifted.
Tom handcrafted the stucco with brick trim to mimic the house perfectly. Adding antique-looking wooden and glass doors, lighting that harks back to yesteryear, and a plaque reading “Circa 2000 Bob Martin & Tom Maloy” completes the timeless look of the structure.
Inside, Jane enjoys visiting with friends amidst the neat rows of clay pots, sipping drinks, and enjoying the charming environment no matter the season. Antique garden art from the original Hutaff family can be found throughout the estate.
Treasures include a marble cherub fountain, brass buddhas, and a brass lion gargoyle.
The couple have purchased rock, mulch, and fountains from Stone Garden since it opened over 20 years ago. They recently contracted Juan Santiago through Stone Garden’s Referral Network to craft an expansive paver driveway.
And oh, what a driveway it is! Juan and his team at JC’s Hardscape and Landscaping used Belgard® Dimensions 12 in the color Hatteras. The team has also helped the Maloy’s reshape other parts of the property. They are responsible for the curving pathways that look original and rebuilt the aging brick wall at the end of the driveway. Jane tells us, “The quality of Juan’s work is outstanding. He has good ideas and a clear vision of the garden.”
On Sunday, April 6, from 10am–4pm, the parking space at the end of the driveway will transform into the venue for the benefit Azalea Art Sale featuring works from Plein Air artists painting throughout the 10 private gardens all weekend long.
Jane and Tom Maloy’s garden isn’t just a beautiful place—it’s a life well-lived, rooted in tradition, friendship, and a passion for giving back. Come stroll, admire, and be inspired.
Dates: April 4–6, 2025
Azalea Garden Tour | Cape Fear Garden Club
Plein Air Art Sale at The Maloy’s: April 6 | 10am–4pm
Photography by Mark Steelman, Nina Brown, and the Maloy Family
Experience the Beauty: 2025 Azalea Garden Tour
It’s happening this week! One of Wilmington’s most cherished traditions—the 2025 Azalea Garden Tour, proudly hosted by the Cape Fear Garden Club!
At Stone Garden, your go-to source for all things landscape and outdoor living, we’re thrilled to help spread the word about this can’t-miss event showcasing Wilmington’s most stunning private gardens in full bloom.
Ticket Info:
• $50 per person
• Cash or check only (Checks made payable to Cape Fear Garden Club)
• Tickets will also be available in the gardens and at the trolley stop
• Purchase advance tickets at Stone Garden and other select local businesses
What to Look Forward To:
• Explore 10 exquisite private gardens featuring vibrant azaleas and inspired landscaping
• The Azalea Paint Out – Watch Plein Air Artists painting live in each garden throughout the weekend
• Gather ideas and inspirations for your own outdoor sanctuary
• Support local beautification projects through the Cape Fear Garden Club
• Enjoy the Plein Air Artists Benefit Sale at The Maloy’s on April 6 from 10am–4pm. There you can meet the artists and purchase their paintings. A portion of these art sales will benefit the charitable grant programs of the Cape Fear Garden Club.
Stop by Stone Garden before or after the tour—we’ve got everything you need to make your garden dreams come true!
2025 Azalea Garden Tour PreviewStop by Stone Garden before or after the tour—we’ve got everything you need to make your garden dreams come true!