For the first time in 22 years, the tour was offered in August instead of the first weekend in June. I love the idea of seeing our late summer gardens for a change. So many shrubs and perennials are just getting started in June we never see their full glory on the tour. But according to Jon Schler, who is on the garden tour committee, the tour will resume its rightful place during the first weekend in June next year.
Jon said because of the operational changes that occurred with the WCBG and Strive this year, planning for the garden tour was later than usual. The hard working committee and volunteers struggled to find a date and homeowners willing to showcase their gardens with little notice and a unconventional time period. When it is all said and done, I think the garden tour did a good job of presenting interesting gardens and continuing the tradition of one of the largest fund raisers for the WCBG. Jon Schler was also quick to point out that the tour wouldn't have been as successful without the help and direction of Susan Rose and the Master Gardener volunteers with CSU Extension.
So let's start the tour!
WCBG Western Heritage Garden |
Next up was the Arboretum at CSU Extension at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Because the BMX group was hosting a large event, we were not able to see most of the gardens that line the parking lot. We did see the world renowned cactus garden and raised garden beds that surround the Extension building.
Loretta in the cactus garden |
Gardens at the CSU Extension |
The rain started coming into the Valley at this point in the morning but we were determined to see as many beautiful gardens as we could. Upon arriving at the Loshbaugh residence, we were thrilled to see such an exuberant display in this suburban garden. This garden was on the garden tour 10 years ago but it has matured into a rich tapestry of color, texture and interest that made it worth a repeat visit.
The front gardens at the Loshbaugh residence |
Wandering through the gardens revealed a perfect pond complete with koi fish swimming in it and statues of herons looking in it.
Loshbaugh pond with herons |
The variety of plants and the way they were combined really caught my designer's eye. I loved the look of the ribbon grass and nasturtiums. The bright colors of the zinnias and dahlias also made me smile.
Ribbon grass and nasturtiums |
Zinnias, dahlias and butterfly bush |
Next we moved onto a serene, quiet reflective garden. Lenore Donovan has turned her childhood home into a peaceful park in honor of her parents. While caring for her aging parents, she turned to garden therapy to help ease her stress and satisfy her soul. The result is an oasis in the middle of the desert.
Primrose Park - an oasis in the desert |
Being peaceful and serene doesn't mean you can't have a little whimsy in your garden. Lenore installed this beautiful fountain complete with blue water a few years ago. She then added a heron statue with a fish in his mouth! Looks like he just caught it out of the fountain.
A little whimsy at Lenore's |
In addition to being a park, you could also call it a cat sanctuary. Lenore is known as the Cat Lady because she has a generous heart and takes in cats that need a home. Some live inside, some outside, some temporary and some permanent. I will always be thankful for the time she helped me with a lost cat in my neighborhood. The ecosystem is in perfect balance as well. Mosquitos that have an eye on her pond are promptly eaten by Mr. Jack the giant catfish in the pond or the many varieties of birds that live in the surrounding trees. Toads by the gazillion hatch every summer and take care of any other insect that gets too much to handle.
When you think of an urban garden, what comes to mind? A small patch of grass, a tree or two between the sidewalk and street? The small backyard might have a patio with a few pots and more grass? A visit to Judy Hilty's garden will change your mind forever.
Judy's Hell strip - a piece of shade heaven |
Judy Hilty and her bathtub garden |
One of the surprises in her backyard was the claw foot bathtub painted bright red. Filled with tropical plants atop a raised bed, its a sight to see.
Her containers are filled to the brim with flowers of every color, size and shape. |
We missed the three gardens in the Redlands because the rain was coming down too hard to enjoy ourselves. I hope I get to see the Golden and Murdock gardens someday because my tour booklet says they were designed and installed by Bill Richardson of Dragonfly Gardens. I've known Bill for many years and have worked with him on several of my own garden designs. He has a good eye for designing with plants and does creative work with rocks, fountains and other hardscapes. I also want to stop by the fire station on Broadway to see more of their gardens designed by Ann Barrett. Even whizzing by everyday at 45 mph, the front gardens always look good.
Now that the garden tour is over, the garden tour committee will be working hard to line up next June's gardens. If you are interested in working on the committee or you would like to have your garden showcased on the garden tour, please contact the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens at (970) 245-9030. You can also visit their website for more information about the tour and events taking place at the lovely gardens throughout the year. www.wcbotanic.org
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