Gardens have long been a destination for gardeners, plant lovers, and those who just want to see behind the fence. Tours are conducted through groups on local as well as international venues.
But what can the visitor take away from such a tour? Let’s visit a couple of local gardens and see what these gardens have to say about the site, about the host, about the commitment to gardening, and the style or feeling the garden evokes.
The first garden tour was the home of the Elaine and Robert Middlestetter. As Miami Valley Hosta Society featured this garden on a lovely Saturday in July, 2013. Visitors could meander this garden and the homeowners offered explanations, descriptions, and information on the garden and plants.
This stand of sedum is the tallest I have ever seen. Just imagine when this is in full bloom!
This welcoming bench invites a visitor to ‘linger – don’t rush away.’
Shady areas had bright spots with the Brunnera, Jack Frost, and variegated Solomon’s seal, gold hosta, and iris that had bloomed earlier in the season. The garden has taken this current form after several trees were lost, and the 30+ years have tenderly evolved into this garden as it is seen today.
Color was evident in this garden, as Elaine played with red and gold in the Blood Grass and the Heuchera. Quite stunning!
An Asian feel to the garden is appealing in this courtyard. The wooden walkway, the rockery, and the pottery all set the atmosphere with the red door as the exclamation point to this lovely, peaceful garden.
Across the street from the Middlestetter’s garden is another Miami Valley Hosta Society member’s garden of Tina and Richard Fox.
Gates into a garden speak volumes to the openness or the secretiveness of the space behind it. This double wide gate with the wood spindles at the top allows a visitor to feel welcome, and ‘take a peek’. Quite an inviting greeting!
Richard seems to have an artistic talent, and he let’s Tina cultivate and maintain the plant material. However, I can see some artistic elements in the miniature gardens Tina has sitting around her garden.
This shaded pergola invites one to set awhile.
This shade structure was built by the homeowner Richard when they lost a couple of large trees. It offers shade without blocking the expanse of the area on either side.
Water lilies were blooming on a koi pond and the fish went on a feeding frenzy when Richard offered a snack.
Perennial borders and accents of color with annuals helps this garden feel like a warm and happy place to spend some time.
Miami Valley Hosta society offered four gardens to visit, but due to time constraints I regret I only could visit these two lovely garden.
Two gardens, two styles, two very welcoming gardens. Thanks to Elaine and Robert Middlestetter, and Richard and Tina Fox for all of their efforts. Kudos.
