(ROCKWALL-May 12, 2013) If you’ve ever dreamed of a beautiful, eye-catching flower or vegetable garden for your plot of land; if you’ve ever wondered about which plants to place in sun or shade; if you’ve considered a water feature for your garden; if you’re concerned about bed preparation, soil amendments, or water conservation, or if you would just like to stroll through idyllic garden settings, then plan to attend the 10thAnnual Tour of Gardens in Rockwall County, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18.
This year the Master Gardeners have teamed with four gracious homeowners to bring back popular gardens from previous year’s in honor of our 10th tour. This is a great opportunity to see how these beautiful landscapes have grown and changed or possibly see one you missed on a previous tour!
Also, guided tours of the Rockwall County Courthouse landscape will also be offered for your viewing pleasure. Of course the ever growing and changing Rockwall County Discovery Garden, created and maintained by Master Gardeners will be showcased.
Each garden is unique and has something special to offer. Hill country style is becoming increasingly popular here not only because of its beauty but also for its use of drought tolerant plants. Originally featured in 2005, the largest garden on the tour is full of Hill Country flair. But do not think stark and cactus, this Texas Style garden with its gorgeous lake views combines a wide variety of plant materials including native and drought tolerant plantings, vegetables and herbs, with hardscapes, patios, meandering paths and water features. Be sure to take your time strolling through this garden, there is much to see and you will not want to miss a thing.
The Hill Country theme continues at the Rockwall County Courthouse. Guided tours will be hosted every 20 minutes to learn more about the architectural plan and plant materials. Come see the native grass plantings flow with the breeze surrounding beautiful blooms which include salvias, yuccas, Mexican Buckeyes and Black-eyed Susan’s. You will notice that these plants were set in a grid pattern with sleek lines that are a repeating element complimenting the architectural lines of the Courthouse.
Another treat for your viewing pleasure are 3 charming landscapes in Old Towne Rockwall. One is from the 1st Tour in 2004. With its 6 separate garden areas, this design has a great mixture of areas dedicated to outdoor entertaining and paths to stroll around to enjoy the beautiful plant materials. Stone walls and water features make it easy to forget you are so close to a busy road! Just across the street, you will cross under a 100 year old Chinese Pistache to reach the next garden. This historic house will catch your eye with its bright geranium lined steps leading to a huge front porch. The porch is lined with colorful plant filled beds, gorgeous rock boarders and a flag stoned path. The path leads around the back to the kids play area which also contains numerous eye catching and colorful plants and shrubs. Just down the street, the final private landscape brings true meaning to the phrase small space, big style. You will fall in love with this cozy garden with its diverse plant materials and creative decorative elements. Extra parking opportunities are available at the nearby elementary school and church.
This is a tour at your leisure event. The gardens can be viewed in any order just as long as you make sure you see them all before they close at 2pm. The Founder’s Day celebration is also May 18. Consider making Old Town your last stop and the head up to the Square for the festivities that will go on into the evening!
As always, the Rockwall County Discovery Garden, created and maintained by the Rockwall County Master Gardeners will be on display. After back to back hot, dry summers, come see how well our perennials have thrived and continue to grow. Some of the beds and paths have been revamped giving an updated look that will give you creative hardscape ideas to help conserve water but not sacrifice eye appeal. The Eagles Nest raised bed demonstration area continues to grow. Don’t forget to bring the kids, the Peter Rabbit children’s area is a blast! Special activities at the Discovery Garden will include:
- A variety of topiaries will be displayed in the community garden. The creative botanical interpretations will be constructed by the Master Gardeners.
- A company with whimsical whirligigs will be exhibiting a delightful selection of garden art. Tour visitors will be able to order their favorite wind catchers from the vendor.
- Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to support the Discovery Garden’s mission by purchasing a brick engraved with their choice of words. The bricks will form a walkway in the garden that will highlight these generous donors. Each brick will cost $40.00 and the engraving is limited to three lines with 16 characters per line. Orders can be placed and paid for at the Discovery Garden on the day of the tour.
The cost is $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the tour. Tickets are on sale now at the following retail locations: American National Bank – Ridge Road & North Goliad – Covington’s Nursery – Culver’s Restaurant- Land Art Nursery – The Life House, as well as from any Rockwall County Master Gardener. They can also be purchased at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office located at 915 Whitmore, Suite B in Rockwall.
For more information, visit rockmga.org or call 972-204-7660.
The Rockwall County Master Gardener Association is coordinated by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service with the support of the Rockwall County Commissioners Court, under the direction of County Extension Agent Todd Williams. This group of trained volunteer educators is dedicated to expanding horticultural knowledge in Rockwall County through outreach, teaching and demonstration events.
The 2013 officers of the Rockwall County Master Gardener Association include Linsley Srygley, president; Anita McCoy, vice president; Kay McKown, secretary; and Millie Lambert, treasurer.
Submitted by Shelly Spearman, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Tickets on sale for Tour of Gardens this Saturday added by Editor on
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