It already feels like the middle of summer has arrived and I often feel the season just began. I have to wonder where the time goes or if I have just spent it all weeding, watering and deadheading. I have found the best weather always makes the season go by way too quickly and I am trying to find the time to sit back and enjoy every moment of it before it all goes away.
Even with a cooler start to the year, it seems things are looking pretty good, but we could use some good summer heat to boost the gardens. July is always a fun month where the garden begins to fill with constant color, as this is the time when all the annuals begin their consistent blooming until the autumn frosts arrive. Often it is hot, but that is the kind of weather I thrive in so I absorb as much of it as I can as I know it will be short lived.
July is also the month for the garden tours, both locally and regionally. This is everyone’s chance to get a glimpse into some backyards to witness some very creative design work. I personally love to go on garden tours as I find it a great resource for new ideas, a chance to see new and different design elements and talk to other gardeners along the way.
When we stay in our own yards day in and day out our outlook on things becomes a bit tunneled. Going out and seeing what other people do seems to open the door of creativity once again to allow you to explore new and unique things. There are always many things to see on these tours.
Not only can you take a friend and enjoy them with a nice visit along the way, but you can throw all sorts of thoughts around. The main thing you will see is an abundance of plants. That is always a thrill as oftentimes there will be some plants that many people have never seen before and find exotic or interesting.
Some might be non-hardy tropical where others might be a new hardy perennial for our area that aren't common yet. Annuals are always a thrill as they produce that intense and abundant color for the rest of the season. There can be some very unique specimens in this genre also.
It is on one of these garden tours that I discovered the annual penstemon called Red Phoenix and have had it in my garden every year since. ADVERTISEMENT Not only are there great perennials and annuals on the tour but also many interesting trees and shrubs. Sometimes they are common species.
Many times there is one in the bunch that really stands out. It is for these specific reasons that I enjoy the tours so much! Many gardens have unique statuary and garden art. Some are whimsical, some are quaint or funny and others command attention.
Some gardens will have birding elements such as baths, feeders and houses of numerous types and others will have various types of water features. All of these accent pieces can really add a sense of calm to the garden space for a little evening relaxation. Patios and decks often accompany these gardens too.
Some are simple; others are very elaborate and may include extraordinary outdoor kitchen spaces. Some will have pergolas and others will have tables and large umbrellas with comfortable sitting spaces. Many of them may give you great ideas for your own space when that next project demands a little creativity.
This year there will be four gardens on AAUW's Jamestown Garden Tour. Each of these four gardens will be very different from the other, allowing you a large array of things to think about. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the tour, which will be available at any of the homes you get to first.
Advanced tickets can be obtained via the AAUW Used Bookstore, The Arts Center, Country Gardens Floral, Lloyds Motors or any AAUW member. Proceeds from the tour go to support the AAUW Educational Foundation and the Endowment Fund at the University of Jamestown. The foundation provides grants and funding for projects that promote equality for girls and women.
The tour sites this year will be Dave and Wanda Bohl at 1310 41st St. NW, Arlie and Lynette Lind at 424 7th St. SW, Jack and Yvonne McGregor at 8055 36th St.
SE (north side of interstate) and Roger and Margaret "Peggy" Koenig at 317 17th Ave. NE. The tour date is Wednesday, July 17, from 4 to 8 p.
m. It will be a great day for a tour and I would love to see you all there supporting this wonderful cause while touring the beautiful gardens for a pleasant evening out. Don’t forget to take many pictures and bring a notebook to write down the ideas you find most interesting.
I will also be holding my annual yard tour called "An Evening in the Garden" that is open to all on Monday, July 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1601 7th Ave.
SE. This is a free event with an option for a freewill offering with beverages to hang out and mingle with other like-minded gardening people. Bring a friend, as I always say the more the merrier! The funds raised at this event are donated to the Northern Plains Botanic Gardens in Fargo to help with their current expansions.
.
