In 1881, German immigrant Conrad Voelcker, who ran a printing business with his brother, built his dream house in Flushing. He loved his garden. And so did his daughter, Theresa Voelker (notice spelling change), who married Rudolph Orth, and their daughter, Elisabetha Orth.

Today, the Voelker Orth property is distinguished by its Victorian garden, which contains many of the most popular plants and berry bushes of the late 19th century. These plants are maintained the old fashioned way, with time-honored gardening techniques, such as hand-pruning. Only natural fertilizers and pesticides are used. The garden attracts migrating birds — from the more common cardinals and blue jays to orioles and even hummingbirds. Monarch butterflies usually stop by for a visit in June and July.

Volker Orth offers performances, art exhibitions and workshops throughout the year and “Shakespeare in the Garden” during the summer.

Inside scoop: Voelker Orth offers beekeeping courses. Walter Blohm, who has more than 30 years of apiculture experience and maintains about 25 hives, imparts his knowledge on general bee care and honey harvesting in the fall.