| Gardens |
Finding Inspiration:
Spring garden tour opportunities
T
he merry, merry month of May is on inspiration, motivation, education and Another garden tour planned for that filled with opportunities to up our the versatility of what “gardening” can be. weekend is the Historic Decatur Associagardening game, including finding “Not all gardening is the same,” Allen tion Garden Tour, to be held 1-5 p.m. on inspiration from fellow gardeners through says, “and the tour not only gives you great May 20. This tour, which has been held public and private garden tours. ideas for your own garden, it also shows annually for 30 years, encompasses two The thing about gardens is that they that you can garden anywhere.” neighborhoods – the Old Decatur and are everywhere, from little garden oases It also offers rare glimpses of private, Albany Historic Districts. The neighborin many towns and cities to a plethora of personal gardens. “These are gardens that hoods are a couple of miles apart so visfine public gardens and arboretums itors can drive to each then park that offer year-round chances to see their cars for a lovely walk to see gardens in their glory and to learn home and church gardens and more about gardening. In addition, neighborhood parks. the Alabama Tourism Department Tour chairwoman Cindy Upton offers a map of Alabama’s Garden said that planning for the event is Trail (https://alabama.travel/garstill under way but she hopes to den-trail) that Alabamians and have up to eight sites on the tour, tourists alike can follow to their plus participants can amble past heart’s content. other historic homes in their prime But what about those private garspring garden finery. dens tucked back in hidden places? Of course these two tours are just Several organizations in the state— a taste of what’s likely to be availfrom Mobile to Dothan to Hunts- Among the many sights that visitors on the Lee County Master able in communities throughout ville and parts in between—offer Gardener 2018 Garden Tour will see is Joel’s Orchids by the the state. To learn more about othtours (usually in the spring and Lake, a lakeside property that features an orchid greenhouse, er garden tour opportunities, check early summer) of just those kinds gracious outdoor entertainment areas and a vineyard. with local public gardens and garof garden gems and at least two of dening organizations or with local them are coming up this month on the we would never be able to see without the and state chamber and tourism offices. weekend of May 19-20. tour,” notes Hardgrave. You’re sure to discover many opportuniOne of those is the Lee County MasThis tour requires a bit of driving and, ties to enjoy gardens and you may even ter Gardener’s Garden Tour, a two-day, because of the large number of gardens find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the self-guided biennial event that this year on the tour, it typically takes visitors garden-loving moms in your life. features 10 private gardens and two teachboth days to see all of the gardens, but ing/demonstration gardens in the Auticketholders can set their own pace over For More Information burn/Opelika area. the two days. The price of admission also Information on the Lee County Master GarThe tour, which will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. includes a picnic lunch provided on Saturdeners Garden Tour can be found at www. on May 19 and 1-5 p.m. on May 20, feaday by Chicken Salad Chick, a cosponsor leemg.org. Advanced tickets are $30 ($28 tures a wide array of gardens, including of the event. each for groups of 10 or more) and can be the grounds of an historic Opelika home purchased at several local businesses and (where part of the movie “Norma Rae” MAY TIPS at the Lee County Extension System or Auwas filmed), an orchid house, a smallburn Chamber of Commerce offices. Tickets Deadhead early spring flowers and space container garden and a 10-acre will also be available for $35 at the “gate” of spring-blooming bulbs. property populated with native plants as any of the gardens on the days of the tour. Fertilize ornamental and vegetable well as fruits and vegetables. plants according to soil test Information on the Historic Decatur AssociAccording to Sheila Allen and Ronrecommendations. ation Garden Tour is available at www.faceda Hardgrave, coordinators for the Lee Weed garden beds and remove book.com/Historicgardentour/. On the County event, the tour, which began in invasive plants from the landscape. day of the tour, information on the gardens 2006, is a fund-raiser that supports LC Plant or transplant trees and shrubs as and maps of the tour route will be available MG’s projects, programs and scholarships summer temperatures begin to rise. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Debut also an awareness-raiser that focuses Watch for pests and diseases on all Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.
38 MAY 2018
plants and treat as needed. Sow seed for melons, beans, okra, squash, southern peas and beans. Plant tomato, pepper, eggplant and other summer vegetable transplants.
catur, which will also offer refreshments.
If you know of other garden tours in the state, share them with us all on the Alabama Living Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AlabamaLivingMagazine/.
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