GARDEN TOUR - 2007

June 24th 1pm to 5pm

Tour Stops:

1.  The GLAHS Museum - 118 W Lincoln Street
Step into this sweet little herb garden just as it might have been outside the kitchen door of a Victorian Era home in Grand Ledge. You’ll learn about avariety of culinary and medicinal herbs that were grown for daily household use. Tucked here and there you’ll also see Victorian Era artifacts and heirloom flowers including nasturtiums, heliotrope, golden glow and hollyhocks.   

New this Year!  Shop the new Garden Artists’ Market next to The Museum to find unique garden themed items handcrafted by local artisans including Norma Pryor, Linda Cabose, Kim Millbrook, Mary Bessette, Terry Bouck, and Sarah Huff.    You’ll find garden totems, sand cast birdbaths, garden themed jewelry, lavender sachets, and wire garden sculptures and more.   Take home some new perennials or herb seedlings to add to your garden. 

2.  Vickie and George Hunter – 306 E. Scott Street
Coral geraniums and white wooden rocking chairs welcome you to this historic home built in the late 1800’s.  A white picket fence surrounds a variety of heirloom perennials and grape arbor.  Dear to these garden owners’ hearts are lilacs grown from 200 year old stock originally brought from Great, Great Grandmother’s home in England.   

3.  Susan and Greg Fedewa – 527 E. Jefferson Street
Enter through the garden gate at street level and work your way down three levels of lush, verdant plantings.   Hosta collectors will really enjoy the variety ofspecimens.  Offering shade to full sun, this tour stop is a gardener’s dream. As you leave, take note as you pass through the Emperor inspired gate that was designed and built by Greg.

4.  Sheri and David Seaman – 805 Ledgemoore Blvd.
Visitors to the Seaman’s garden will enjoy the sights and sounds of their professionally designed waterfall and  koi pond complete with tropical water plants and grasses.   Located on busy Willow Highway,   a surround of trees and shrubs along with the soothing sounds of the waterfall create a peaceful respite for Sheri and David. 

5.  Connie and Dick Dible – 11668 Woodspointe Drive
From a deck above, beautiful woodland views unfold.  Fifteen years ago, the Dibles carved a backyard out of the woods and began to establish their gardens.  Today, the result of their labor is a peaceful haven filled with lush textures and shades of green.   Interesting ground cover varieties and perennials abound in this mature garden.  

6.  Dorrene Gilbert – 11650 Woodspointe Drive
Dorrene is reclaiming her garden with rejuvenated enthusiasm!   So be sure to take a walk on the wild side through this woodland escape where  there are plenty of surprises at each turn.  Enjoy the perennials, annuals and an array of wildflowers as you stroll down to the river’s edge. But, be on the lookout   
you’re being observed too.

7.  Annette and George Ryan – 11876 Stone Bluff Drive
The Ryan garden is an excellent example of achieving amazing results in only four years.   Visitors are greeted at the front door by a brimming path of perennials.  Hostas and lilies line the pathway to the back yard where Annette has incorporated perennials and annuals.  A berme filled with large shrubbery and perennials creates privacy  along the yard’s edge.  If you’re looking for inspiration for a newer developing garden this one is a must see.

8.  Daryl and Harold Weeks – 1801 E. Grand Ledge Highway
Walking the gardens of this majestic home you’ll find a waterfall, pond, fire pit, and potting shed.   A white picket fence encloses a holding garden for plants yet to find their permanent home.    These vast garden expanses with their amazing variety of plantings and interesting hardscapes have evolved from a fifteen yearlabor of love.  Don’t let the drive keep you from experiencing the sites and sounds of this beautiful setting.