Jan and Linda Blum have lived at the corner of Willets Avenue and Jones Street in Eagleswood, on the border of Little Egg Harbor, for almost 50 years, during which time they have poured love into their home, their yard and their community. Linda calls their back yard their “little slice of paradise,” where sun and shade mingle, chimes tinkle and wildlife is welcomed, while neighbors passing by are greeted warmly with a wave or a kind word.

Retired from their roles in the Pinelands and Southern Regional school districts but driven to stay busy and creative,…