October 5-6, 2024
Welcome to Fondren! Eclectic gardens and the bottle tree capital of the world!
Jonathan Lee, FRF President
Nothing reflects Fondren?s diversity more than how we style our yards From the perfectly manicured lawns along Old Canton Road to the Cranston?s yard full of birdhouses? .and, let?s not forget Don and Becky Potts' yard with a miniature horse named Buttercup masquerading as guard dog ? this year?s Bottle Tree and Garden Tour nails the assortment of people and places that make Fondren the lively, spirited community it is.
This is our third year to welcome visitors into our yards And, we have two Fondren garden enthusiasts to thank for hatching the idea.
Three years ago, the Potts left Buttercup in charge and traveled to Memphis for the Cooper Young Garden Walk. Becky grabbed onto the idea of a garden tour by ?real gardeners ?Knowing that Fondren horticulturist Felder Rushing also celebrated ?real gardeners,?she enlisted his support. And both, being fans of bottle trees, couldn? t resist distinguishing our event from other high- brow garden tours by including bottle trees in the name Branding it the Fondren Bottle Tree and Garden Tour was especially appropriate since Felder has longed dubbed Fondren as having the highest concentration of bottle trees than ?anywhere else in the known universe ?
Another thing that separates our tour from others is that we schedule it in the fall when, some years, the only thing blooming is our bottle trees But that doesn? t seem to bother ?real gardener?tourists who can relate to keeping the grass green in a drought or the non-gardener tourists who just like to peek into others?yards and meet interesting people
Indeed, last year?s evaluations gave high marks to people over plants. The ability to talk to the ?real gardeners?was a highlight And, when the ?real gardeners? offered cuttings of their favorite plants, the favorability rating escalated.
While we are certainly focused on gardens and gardeners, our Fondren Bottle Tree and Garden Tour is also a celebration of our beloved community of Fondren, where we all march to our own drummers but come together to create a symphony of improbable harmony
On behalf of my Fondren neighbors, we welcome you to our garden party and the eclectic Fondren experience
?Making" is a means to interpret the world around me, as well as discover nuances in everyday life.
-Gu il l er mo Sal in as
An artist, a baker and a logo-maker - Guillermo Salinas has put his stamp on Fondren, reminding us the value of collaboration and community, and supplying us with a delectable array of "croissants, cakes and anything chocolate."
A native of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Guillermo is owner and head chef at Just Vanilla Bake Shop in Duling School.
In 2021, he brought celebrity to Fondren as a participant in the Food Network's "Halloween Baking Championship."
In his art st udio w here he designed t he logo for
t his year 's Bot t le Tree & Garden Tour (Phot o: Drew Dem
Jonathan Lee, President
Cathy Boone, Vice President
Dylan Bradshaw, Treasurer
Molly Walker, Secretary
Buddy Graham, Emeritus
You can visit Guillermo's artist studio and his wife's garden as part of this year's Bottle Tree and Garden Tour.
Cover art and tour logo by Guillermo Salinas
FO N D REN poweredbytheFondrenRenaissanceFoundation
Liz Brister
Jonathan Werne
Michael Boerner
Britney Moss
Sandy Carter
Sarah Bentley
Ardarian Pierre
Gabriel Prado
Leah Smith
Chris Hannibal
Gwen Agho
Jamie Mallinson
Shannon McLaughlin
Kayleigh Skinner
Ex-officio
Robert Green
Robert Lewis
Dr Marcus Thompson
Kristy Simms
Susan M. Barrett
In t he kit chen at Just Vanilla ...
psey)
S C H E D U L E
Sat urday, Oct ober 5
7 a m - 4 p m
Ticket sales and Ticket pick up
The St at ion, 3024 Nort h St at e St reet
8 a.m . - 10 a.m .
GardenMam a Live Rem ot e, Fondren Yard
10 a.m . - 2 p.m .
-Bubbles and Bot anicals at Brow n's Fine Art & Fram ing, 630 Fondren Place
-Open St udio - Collage St udio feat uring Collage St udio art ist s Carol Cox Heidelberg and Sidney Creekm ore Crew s
3100 Nort h St at e St (behind Zundo)
9 a m - noon - Tours (t icket s required)
Fondren Presbyt erian Church* *
3220 Old Canton Road
Andrew Cary Young (yard and art st udio)
3412 Gallaway
Kim and John Sew ell
3825 Hawthorn Drive
Paul and Sophie Wolf*
4145 Hawthorn Drive
Don and Becky Pot t s * *
4083 Robin
Maureen Donnelly and Dan Piersol
632 Seneca
Frenchie and Buddy Graham
4005 Cabell Lane
Suzie Cranst on 1016 Avondale
Leah and Solon Sm it h* *
3805 Tyrone
Brenda and Edley Jones
3652 Woodward
Brenda*
4403 Childress Drive
Kacy Hellings
4355 Childress Drive
1 - 4 p m - Tours (t icket s required)
Nellie Neal
4023 North State Street
Guillerm o & Em m a Salinas (yard & st udio)
4350 Brook
Kim and John Sew ell
3825 Hawthorn Drive
Maureen Donnelly and Dan Piersol
632 Seneca
Don and Becky Pot t s* *
4083 Robin
Leah and Solon Sm it h* *
3805 Tyrone
Brenda and Edley Jones
3652 Woodward
Fondren Presbyt erian Church* *
3220 Old Canton Road
Sam and Rebecca But z
3513 Northview
St Jam es' Episcopal Church
3921 Oak Ridge Drive
(Continued on next page)
S C H E D U L E
Sat urday - cont inued
1-4 Tour - Cont inued
Frenchie and Buddy Graham
4005 Cabell Lane
4 p.m . Floral Arranging Dem o (Light Refreshments)
No ticket required
Int eriors Market 659 Duling
Woodland Hills Shopping Center
8 a m - 2 p m
6 - 8 p.m. Evening Tour (Old Canton Rd)
-Ticket Required-
Refreshments served at 3547 Old Canton Rd
Please park on a side street: Avondale or Tyrone
ChrisHannibal, 3547 Old Canton Rd*
Jimbo and BritneyMoss, 3691 OCR*
Solon and Leah Smith, 3805 Tyrone**
Morrisand Rebecca Thompson, 3765 OCR*
Sunday, Oct ober 6
Ticket sales and Ticket pick up
Fondren Presbyt erian Church
3220 Old Cant on Road
10 a m - 2 p m
-Open St udio - Collage St udio feat uring
Collage St udio art ist s Carol Cox Heidelberg and Sidney Creekm ore Crew s.
3100 Nort h St at e St (behind Zundo)
9 a.m . - noon Tour (t icket s required)
Fondren Presbyt erian Church* *
3220 Old Canton Road
Leah and Solon Sm it h* *
3805 Tyrone
Don and Becky Pot t s* *
4083 Robin
Nellie Neal
4023 North State Street
* Only one shift on the tour
* * Open all four shifts
1 - 4 p m Tour (t icket s required)
Fondren Presbyt erian Church* *
3220 Old Canton Road
Suzie Cranst on
1016 Avondale
Leah and Solon Sm it h* *
3805 Tyrone
St . Jam es' Episcopal Church
3921 Oak Ridge Drive
Randy Sm it h and Bonnie Sparks*
4114 Oak Ridge Drive
Don and Becky Pot t s* *
4083 Robin
Brenda and Edley Jones
3652 Woodward
Guillerm o and Em m a Salinas (yard & st udio)
4350 Brook
Sam and Rebecca But z
3513 Northview
The Bottle Tree: Culture, Folk Art and Whimsy
By Cathy Boone, FRF Vice President
As we approach the third annual Fondren Bottle Tree and Garden Tour, we thought it was timely to learn more about the history of these whimsical and folksy objects that decorate so many gardens in our neighborhood.
The bottle tree?s origins are shrouded in a blend of folklore, superstition, and cultural exchange. I?m borrowing widely from other sources about this provenance, especially our own Felder Rushing, but here?s what I?ve learned.
The practice of adorning trees with glass objects to ward off evil spirits dates back millennia to ancient civilizations. When hollow glass bottles began appearing sometime around 1600 B.C., the sound of the wind moving over the bottles launched tales about ?bottle imps?being captured in the glass vessels The most famous tale of all was about a man named Aladdin whose magical lamp housed a wish-granting bottle imp, now known as a genie (you may recall that Robin Williams played him in the Disney version)
The reflective, almost mystical properties of glass encouraged the spread of these tales and stories about powerful creatures trapped in glass bottles followed in Germany, France and England. Meanwhile, the glass bottle itself made its way to Africa, where glass or shiny objects were thought to ward off evil spirits.
When enslaved Africans were brought to the United States, they brought their cultural practices with them. In the Southern states, especially in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, this tradition blended with local customs The bottle tree became a common feature in yards, often made from a simple wooden or metal frame Bottles, typically colorful glass ones, were hung on the branches of these structures, believed to trap bad spirits and protect the home
Over time, bottle trees evolved from functional items into decorative pieces They became a popular form of folk art, with artists and homeowners creating increasingly elaborate designs Today, bottle trees are celebrated for their vibrant colors and whimsical shapes, serving as both a nod to cultural heritage and a creative expression. They can be found in gardens, public spaces, and art installations, continuing to enchant and intrigue people with their blend of tradition and artistry
Across our Fondren neighborhood, you?ll see an abundance of bottle trees and similar glass/shiny yard art (like my thrift glassware flowers pictured here) These objects allow us to connect the past with the present, display delightful yard decorations, and introduce a little fun and whimsy into our gardens Who doesn? t need a little more of that?
Eat Drink Fondren
mo r e t h an
30 spo t s
t o eat ,
d r in k
o r
ju st h an g o u t
(Check on-line for hours and specials)
Coffee, Tea, Breakfast
Brent 's Drugs, 655 Duling Ave.
PJ's Coffee, 3100 Old Canton Rd
The Bean, 2914 North State Street
Fondren Nut rit ion, 667 Duling Ave.
Aladdin Medit erranean, 730 Lakeland
Corner Market , 653 Duling Ave.
Cups Fondren, 2757 Old Canton Road
Deja Brew , 425 Mitchell Ave
Soule Coffee, 2943 Old Canton Road
Just Vanilia, 622 Duling Ave
Lunch, Dinner
Brent 's Drugs, 655 Duling Ave
The Pig & Pint , 3139 North State Street
The Bean, 2914 North State Street
Zundo Ram en Bar, 3100 NSS(enter on Duling)
Salt ine, 622 Duling Ave
China Wok, 2820 North State Street
Roost ers, 2906 North State Street
Basil, 2906 North State Street
Aladdin Medit erranean, 730 Lakeland Ave
Walker 's Drive In, 3016 North State Street
Quiznos, 2945 Old Canton Road
Corner Market , 653 Duling Ave.
Green Ghost Tacos, 565 Taylor St
Deja Brew Bist ro, 425 Mitchell Ave
Highball Lanes, 3019 North State Street
Am erigo, 622 Duling Ave
The St at ion, 3025 North State Street
Siam Thai, 3000 Old Canton Road
Sw eet s Treat s
Cam pbell's Bakery, 3013 North State Street
Just Vanilla, 622 Duling Ave.
Fondren Fro-Yo, 2951 Old Canton Road
Sw eet Tast e'N, 2906 North State Street
Cockt ail Hour and Aft er Dinner Drinks
The Bean, 2914 North State Street
Apot hecary, 655 Duling (behind Brent's Drugs)
Fondren Public, 2765 Old Canton Road
The Pearl, 3017 North State Street
Am erigo. 622 Duling Ave.
If you?re reading this, you?re probably a gardener or at least have been known to wave at someone you see working in their yard There?s something about outdoors that calls to you, something about digging in the dirt that makes you smile That?s why you?re here and why we recognize you as a kindred spirit in this green world
What is a gardener, anyw ay? Simple ? a gardener is one who grows and tends plants That?s just about anyone you meet in Fondren, though not everyone accepts the title If you don? t relate to the moniker, can we call you a ?yardener?because you mow your grass?How about green steward?A rose by another name would smell as sweet, after all. You appreciate the way a verdant landscape feels and how the smell of a gardenia stirs memories. Fondren appreciates you; we invite you to borrow our ideas, to learn from our mistakes, and maybe get inspired to outdo us.
The 3rd annual Fondren Bottle Tree Garden Tour shows off all sorts of garden designs from formal to freeform, with every plant category and style represented in beds and containers. We have morning sun sites ideal for flowering shrubs and afternoon bakers that give us places to grow lavish tropical textures. Trees and their shade are plentiful here: you?ll experience deep shade, dappled shade, and high shade beneath tall trees and meet the plant palettes that grow in each of them in Fondren The gardens on tour are like your grandma?s finest crazy quilt of colors, patterns, and accents ? as different from block to block as her fabrics yet unified by one cozy thread
Here in Fondren, that thread is community What we share are the rewards we get from spending time outdoors with plants, people, pets, and a wide array of wildlife Mosquitoes aside, it feels good to live here Gardening is very personal and adaptable for any age or ability, and the results are equally singular as you will see on this tour The properties, plants, art, and attitude vary widely from street to street but each garden contributes tangibly to better mental health for us all
Gardening offers exercise, food for eyes and bellies, and the ability to control something ?in this case plants ? when so much of the world seems out of our control Tending plants, taking the time, pays off when seeds sprout, flowers bloom, or your trees burst into fiery fall color. You feel better when you take care of plants ? self-satisfied smiles are a giveaway and research validates this truth
People say they garden for flowers, to have kitchen herbs at hand, or to gain a bit of private, screenfree, thinking time They want to connect with the Earth or at least keep up with the neighbors.
Self-expression is a key reason people garden, reflected here in what we grow and how we accompany our plants. Stately sculptures and whimsical metal art, glass installations, pergolas, exuberant pots, beehives, firepits, and at least 1 horse barn -we celebrate these and much more in Fondren
-GardenMama Nellie Neal
Map design by Lisa Potts
Kim and John Sew ell
3825 Haw t horn Drive
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Our front yard is a budget-friendly, do-it-yourself, shareable, and happy place to enjoy. Everything we have done we did ourselves We put in a semi-circular drive, and gravel sidewalks, lined the walkways and landscaped the house with bricks we dug out of our yard We try to re-purpose with a creative bent We put an old bike and wagon into the garden and added a porch on the front of the house We made benches out of cinderblocks and 4 x 4's and made a coffee table out of old tires. Most of the plants that we put in the yard can be propagated from cuttings or dividing rhizomes. We love to be in the yard or hanging out on our front porch!
Sam and Rebecca But z
3513 Nort hview Drive
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - noon
Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
A whimsical wonderland guarded by watchful gnomes that boasts raised beds with herbs and vegetables galore Our one-of-a-kind homemade yard art pieces steal the show! Every corner reveals a quirky masterpiece, from homemade bottle trees to wind chimes It's a place where creativity runs wild and every plant has a story to tell
Suzie Cranst on 1016 Avondale St reet
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
The extensive collection of birdhouses will command your first impression but any garden-lover will be drawn in by the cottage garden-style planting on either side of the white picket fence Roses, daylilies, enchinaceas, gaura, camellias, dahlias, cannas, tradescantia and ferns tumble together in a riot of color The garden was inspired by the death of Suzie?s son, Peck, and serves as celebration of his life ?My yard makes me happy and people stopping by to visit it makes me even happier!? Park along the street
Paul and Sophie Wolf
4145 Haw t horn Drive
Sat urday, 9 a.m . - noon
Join us in the backyard for a glance at raised bed gardening and drip irrigation! What was full of okra, tomatoes, peppers, watermelons and cut flowers this spring and summer is turning over to fall crops such as broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, sugar snap peas and more There are plenty of seeds from our summer plants to share (first come, first served). Consider leaving another plant to swap with neighbors, too!
GardenMam a Nellie Neal
4023 Nort h St at e St reet
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - noon
Park on Mayes Street
I arrived in Fondren in the mid-1990?s and most of the days since then have found me poking around my ?wildest acre in the neighborhood?My garden is actually an eccentric plant collection. I?m particularly interested in the plants that grow anyway, despite human effort to stop them. You?ll get a list of the species I have identified here, with a note about those I found here and those I introduced. I collect plants, grow and propagate them sustainably to benefit pollinators ?and there?s always something in bloom. There?s not much obvious design here, just a love of negative space and happy plants Every site, every nook and cranny can be described as some combination of sunny or shady, wet or dry. Lots of plants grow here, so something?s working. You?ll be introduced to several very different growing areas here, some more civilized than others I?ll guide you from the public front garden to the back seating and container space, and then on out to where mourning doves, cicadas, and possums dwell Mosquitoes, too, so wear your repellant
Brenda
4403 Childress Drive
Saturday 9 a.m. - noon
Quiet, peaceful backyard that makes hummingbirds, butterflies and bees very happy We had a fantastic Spring harvest of blueberries, blackberries, and some other fruits and veggies in pots. Can't wait to see what my trumpet plant flowers into later in the season.
Don and Becky Pot t s
4083 Robin Drive
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - noon
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Our yard is full of a variety of plants - annuals, perennials, succulents, vegetables, carnivorous, air plants. I love miniatures. My latest addition is my Driveway Desert I have 2 greenhouses and grow about 35 different varieties of Coleus. Our yard contains numerous pieces of yard art to complement our plants We also have a miniature horse named Buttercup, who helps us with our pruning (Our daughter-in-law, Lisa Potts, hasadded a beehivein our neighbor?syard.)
Andrew Cary Young (+art st udio)
3412 Gallaw ay Avenue
Sat urday, 9 a m - noon
Sat urday, 1 - 4 p m
Humongous elephant ears and cannas in pots, wattle from saplings, peach tree espalier, and hedge row painted with a variety of shrub colors! Andrew Cary Young will have his "Inked Watercolor Series" paintings for sale All sales benefit Pearl River Glass Conservatory.
Parasol trees for sale, too All visitors get a free "Random Acts of Creativity" sticker, art work by Andrew Cary Young.
Frenchie and Buddy Graham
4005 Cabell Lane
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
The Graham's lawn is strictly the result of the efforts they have expended since they determined that Fondren was home and would continue to be. Having already lived in the house for several years this began a true revival of everything in sight The project is their design and their effort which has included alterations and updates on an annual basis The reward is viewing from the interior of the house and walking outside and seeing the fruit of their labor Changes occur all along - it's not static!
Parkingisavailablein front of 4015 Cabell Lanein a gravel area aswell asour drivewayor thecurveat theend of thestreet. Thestreet right of wayacross from thehouseispart of theyard and must beleft visiblefor guests Parkingisalso availablealongthe street but not on thegrass. Pleaseleavethestreet availablefor two-waytraffic.
Randy Sm it h and Bonnie Sparks
4114 Oak Ridge Drive
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Randy and Bonnie have been working on their backyard garden this year and have turned a relatively empty space into one with many raised beds, walking paths, water features, trellises, bird feeders, and patio potted plants Expect to see a garden in progress with a vision in the making We?re still working on planting up our new hard landscaping areas and installing a large wildlife pond. We?ll probably be working in the garden the day you visit and would love to share our accomplishments and plans with you.
Maureen Donnelly and Dan Piersol
632 Seneca Avenue
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Meandering beds of daylilies, salvia, asters and gingers create a peaceful sanctuary. They also provide refuge for a multitude of wildlife: birds, frogs, turtles, lizards, bees? Our Fondren Garden Tour includes a salute to these inhabitants by the addition of hand-painted critters created by Dan Piersol.
PLANTSALE: 6 varieties of my beautiful daylilies, as well as night blooming jasmine, will be for sale!
Kacy Hellings 4355 Childress Drive
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - noon
My garden began 8 years ago after I fell in love with a mid century modern house that only had 3 camellias in the front yard. My first step was to create some privacy along the border and then I just kept going Every season I add more plants and new beds and learn as I go. I haven? t followed a design plan, but instead let it evolve naturally through trial and error. Come make a loop around my yard and see what?s growing in the front and back yard, and check out my collection of potted plants on the courtyard and patio
Support an MSU interior design student bypurchasing a garden/flower hand painted watercolor bookmark.
Plusa varietyof plantswill befor sale- insideand outsideplants.
Chris Hannibal
3547 Old Cant on Road
Saturday Evening Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m.
After decades of neglect, a new landscape project in 2020 gave my yard/garden new life With it came crushed limestone paths, new front flower beds, a parking pad and a semi-private courtyard entry off the new front screen porch My landscaping is very simple with foundational plantings of Japanese yew, pittosporum, compact holly, little limelight hydrangeas and cinnamon girl distylium. Rosemary, lavender and irises add interest to the beds Two original oak trees provide welcome shade from the hot summer sun, and fragrant bay magnolias offer sweet springtime scents Muhly grass produces vivid pink blooms in late fall and three sasanqua camellias anchor a front curved flower bed.Two smaller beds are home to colorful annuals A trio of tall planters along the courtyard fence hold dwarf bush olive The small courtyard has a stone fountain, concrete pavers and is lined with rosemary, gardenias, hydrangeas, guara and colorful annuals Potted ferns and annuals abound I am a novice gardener and my garden continues to evolve by trial and error.
Morris and Rebecca Thom pson
3765 Old Cant on Road
Saturday Evening Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m.
Come stroll our cottage garden A compilation of trial-and-error over the years, our yard is constantly evolving From boxwoods and roses to an active herb and vegetable garden along with camellias, sasanquas and hydrangeas embracing a diverse ecosystem designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Complimentary Peggy Martin Rose and Creeping Jenny rootings available.
Solon and Leah Sm it h
3805 Tyrone Drive
Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - noon
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Saturday Evening Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m.
A colorful and whimsical New Orleans inspired city garden, complete with a fountain, three bottle trees, and various other yard art Plants and flowers include hydrangeas, canna lilies, lantana, Mexican petunias, azaleas, camellias, and sedum, including varieties propagated from the gardens of friends and families--and the garden of Mississippi author Eudora Welty.
Jim bo and Brit ney Moss
3691 Old Cant on Road
Saturday Evening Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m.
Our backyard is where the fun begins! When we bought this house the vibe of the backyard was very retro but needed some TLC. The kidney-shaped pool was most likely original to the house which would be late 1940s We wanted to keep the aesthetic but update it. Our landscaping was truly inspired by an incredible split leaf philodendron that grows back every year no matter how hard the winter. Many gardeners have been shocked it survives here Our yard is surrounded by a brick wall and we love the hidden aspect of it. We have privacy yet are right in middle of everything
Guillerm o and Em m a Salinas
4350 Brook Drive
Sat urday, 1 - 4 p.m .
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m .
Our yard is a do-it-ourselves organic veggie and flower garden. It hosts both a raised and in ground bed All of our herbs and vegetables (and many of the flowers) are raised from seed. We started this garden as a way to more deeply connect with the seasons and teach our children the joy of caring for the world around us. Original art and prints by Guillermo Please park on the street
Brenda and Edley Jones
3652 Woodw ard Place
Sat urday, 9 a.m . - noon
Sat urday, 1 - 4 p.m .
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m .
St Jam es' Episcopal Church Children's Garden
3921 Oak Ridge Drive
Sat urday, 1 - 4 p.m .
Sunday, 1-4 p m
Created, tended and loved by St James?children and families, the Garden is a visual delight and as a permaculture garden it is full of surprises! St. James?children describe their garden as magical, a butterfly paradise and a place you never want to leave
Enter from Oak Ridge Drive and meander over the boardwalk, past the water feature and into the heart of the garden where you will find traditional raised beds and the pomegranate patio From here, weave your way between the Hugelkultures, through the outdoor Chapel and into the Food Forest where you will find a delightful variety of fruit trees, berry vines and sweet potatoes. The garden has been enjoyed by St James?children for twenty five years and over the past year was re-designed and re-constructed by David Prichard and a host of St James?adults and children Many young hands helped create a garden where all who enter can feel the abundant care that God, the good gardener has for us all
More than one visitor to our back yard has described it as a "secret garden " We love the absolute privacy afforded by the ravine leading down to the creek, and the forest of old-growth oaks and buckeyes all around The quiet countrylike atmosphere is a welcome retreat from city noise. A large fieldstone patio, centered by a round pool filled with goldfish and aquatic plants, is a happy place for *al fresco* meals in good weather. And we like to think we have the only treehouse around that you walk down to, instead of climbing up to! (I am rootinga few"passalong plants"to share, freeto good homes!Variegated aucuba, Autumn Joysedum, striped "airplane plant,"and CreepingJenny, so far. Also, some lysimachia ground cover (Golden Globes), if the late-summer heat doesn't wipeit out. And if you havea fishpool, and need a few goldfish -- bring a largejar. Wehavean overpopulation of the prettylittlecritters!)
Fondren Presbyt erian Church
3220 Old Cant on Road
Sat urday, 9 a.m . - noon
Sat urday, 1 - 4 p.m .
Sunday, 9 a.m . - noon
Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m .
The garden contains a walkway between our Columbarium and a beautiful fountain with copper sculptures of children given to the church by The Compassionate Friends, a support group for families mourning the loss of children They have been meeting at Fondren Presbyterian for at least 40 years
Take a side t rip t o Woodland Hills' "Ravine"
A visit to Fondren would not be complete without a drive through our Woodland Hills neighborhood where there is a special treat for garden-lovers.
Nestled in the heart of Woodland Hills is an ephemeral stream running through a site believed to be a remnant of one of the prairie/calcareous woodland habitats that existed in the Jackson metropolitan area prior to settlement
In 2000, the MSDepartment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks identified two rare species that occur on the site: the purple prairie coneflower and the wild prairie hyacinth With this knowledge, the Woodland Hills Conservation Association began maintaining this natural area, which has affectionately become known as ?the ravine? Prior to the
Association?s efforts, this area was cluttered with fallen and rotting trees and was overgrown with poison ivy.
Now it is a park like area with benches, a Little Free Library, flowers, and a bridge traversing the stream The Woodland Hills Conservation Association was recently awarded a grant from Amazon to support its work to preserve this beautiful area by planting new trees to ensure the canopy for future generations. If you enjoy your visit to our ravine on this tour, we invite you to return the evenings of December 23 & 24, when the entire neighborhood will be aglow with candlelit luminaries. (The Ravine is at the intersection of Ridge Drive and Woodland Circle. You are welcome to park on the street and wander through the park.)
Experience eclect ic Fondren from your car
1. St art ing from Dow nt ow n Fondren
2. Drive north on North State Street to Council Circle. Take a right on Council Circle and keep straight onto Warrior Way At 519 Warrior Way, you'll note an alligator made of nuts and bolts
3 Continue on Warrior Way to the intersection of Kings Highway for a colorful tree sculpture
4 Take a right on Kings Highway and a quick left on to Avondale Note the chain-saw sculpture at 851 Avondale Continue on to Old Canton Road and cross Old Canton Road, staying on Avondale for a view of Suzie Cranston's yard full of bird houses
5 Make your way back to Old Canton Road and head south towards Downtown Fondren At the top of the the hill, take a left on to Glenway Drive for swing through Woodland Hills (Speed Limit is 25 mph).
6. At the top of Glenway, keep right at The Castle, continuing on Glenway. To the left at 306 Glenway, you can get a glimpse of Fountainhead, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948. (Note: private residence and not open to the public.)
7 Continuing on Glenway, notice the Ravine park on the right Take a right on to Ridge and a left on to Wooddale and a right onto Old Canton Road
8 Continuing on to Old Canton Road, pass by The Cedars, thought to be the oldest residential structure in Jackson (Circa 1840)
9 Turn left on to Meadowbrook Road and continue west to Brook Turn right onto Brook and watch for the large chicken at 4512 Brook Drive Take a right on to Northside Drive and a right on to the I-55 Frontage Road
10 End at Banner Hall for food, drinks, shopping and Jackson's only independent book st ore, Lem uria.
