You know it’s spring when the annual garden tours start popping up. The Piedmont Gardeners club in Athens, Georgia recently hosted their spring tour. It was the 26th year for this popular event.
The tour included 5 great gardens and encouraged visitors to “immerse yourself in this self-guided tour filled with garden creativity and ideas”. I followed those instructions to the letter and immersed myself in 4 beautiful gardens. Today I’d like to share some of the creativity and ideas from those gardens.
The Johnston garden on Oaklake Circle was the first garden I visited. This beautifully manicured space was a brilliant blend of formal and casual. Here’s an example of how the perfect symmetry, near the garden’s entrance, sends a formal message.
But just around the corner, this delightful scene took the edge off the formality. And, yes, that’s a rock alligator in the green grass! I love how the gardener used a variety of grasses and plants to “paint” this scene.
Touches of whimsy, like this bird sculpture, kept things light and fun.
This gardener strategically placed large potted plants throughout the garden. It’s a great way to vary height and add interest. Planting a delicate ground cover at the base of the potted tree helps the pot blend in and hides the potting soil. That’s a nice detail I’ve filed away for future reference.
The Cavan garden at Mal Bay Rd had a fun, casual vibe. Here a set of stone steps and a simple arch connect the backyard seating area to a grassed section.
This potting shed caught my eye. It’s situated towards the back of the property, has open walls, a fun collection of vintage items and a delightful, laid back feel.
This old-timey swing in front of these beautiful azaleas looks so inviting‒until you realize it might be rather difficult to maneuver. But it sure looks pretty!
Several casual floral arrangements were placed throughout the seating and eating areas. I rarely think to do this but it’s easy to do and adds such a nice touch.
The Carey garden on Fox Trace featured a network of dry streams and bridges leading to this lovely covered seating area.
The coffee table adds interest to the seating area with its unusual surface. It reminds me of a vintage heat grate floor register.
Here’s another take on dressing up the soil under a potted tree. A little driftwood, a few carefully selected stones, and some creeping jenny complete the scene.
I wrapped up my tour with the Middendorf garden on Jefferson River Rd. As it turned out, I saved the best for the last! All the gardens were lovely but the Middendorf garden is located on a 137-acre horse farm, called Silverthorn Farm, which was open for our viewing pleasure. Gardeners often strive to frame views in their designs but not many have vistas like this!
This horse barn is 200 years old and packed with charm and character.
The flower gardens were lovely as well. This enclosed rose garden was at its prime.
The setting was delightful and the roses were splendid. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of magnificent spring gardens.
Special thanks to the host gardeners who generously opened their gardens for the tour.
More Info
Garden tours have become a recurring theme here on the FanningSparks blog. Check out these posts:
Charleston’s Glorious Window Boxes
Madison in May – 15 Favorite Fotos.
You can learn more about the Piedmont Gardeners on their website or Facebook page.
Here are a few resources to help you find garden tours:
. Garden tours are often conducted as fund raisers by gardening organizations. Check your local gardening clubs, master gardener organizations, botanical gardens or fundraising organizations for upcoming events.
. In Georgia USA, Walter Reeves’ website provides a handy schedule of gardening events across the state.
. Across the USA, the Garden Conservancy conducts Open Days.
. In the UK, the National Trust is a great resource. Check out their What’s On feature to find scheduled events such as garden tours.
Today’s Takeaways
1. Consider participating in a local garden tour.
2. Viewing gardens is a great source of inspiration for your own yard and garden.
3. Be observant‒appreciate the overall garden and take note of the details.
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