Full Flower Spokane Gardeners Use Tour To Exhibit Fruits Of Their Labors
Claude Monet, the impressionist painter once said, “It is slow work, pursued with love and I do not deny that I am proud of it.” He was referring to his garden, however, rather than his canvas. Gardens have always been places of beauty and expressions of ourselves. We visit them to be inspired and refreshed.
For those who would enjoy a Sunday afternoon stroll admiring beautiful gardens, the Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane will offer a garden tour, Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
In its 10th year, the tour covers five local gardens (a sixth gardener had to cancel due to storm damage). A few feature waterfalls and gazebos. Some are “natural” gardens, others are symmetrical and orderly. Some are casually maintained, others are meticulously cared for. There are indigenous plants and exotic plants, with a profusion of annuals everywhere.
The gardens may be visited in any order, and directions to each are on the ticket brochures. Tickets are $3 per person (children under 14 are free) and are available at all of the locations.
Proceeds from the tour will be used to renovate Manito Park, specifically to purchase much-needed benches to surround the Manito Duncan Garden reflective pool.
The Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane was formed in 1938 by eight clubs whose members wanted to promote Spokane as the Lilac City. Over the years, their goal has been to encourage Spokane to create beautiful parks and gardens. The association has grown to 500 members in 22 clubs.
Through plant sales and garden tours, the clubs have raised funds to purchase plants, trees, fountains and garden amenities. In addition to parks, they have beautified places of interest such as the Davenport Hotel, the Cheney Cowles Museum and the Campbell House. A few clubs have also worked with Habitat for Humanity landscaping private homes.
In choosing the featured gardens this year, president Phyllis Northrop and tour coordinator Faith Smith were looking for variety, beauty and innovation - a real-life version of a lovely impressionist painting.
Featured gardens of the garden tour:
Garden of Michael and Linda Harrington, 1918 W. Clarke. View a stair-stepped landscape along the Spokane River in Peaceful Valley featuring a waterfall, a wooden walkway leading to a gazebo and a colorful oasis which includes 5,000 spring bulbs. A landscape paradise lovingly cared for.
Garden of Thomas (Al) and Elma Coyle, 3930 S. Eastgate Ct. Serene beauty describes this garden of evergreens, vines, perennials and annuals in colorful symmetry. A vegetable garden and gazebo are also highlights of this spacious landscape. Garden of Al and Marie Magneson, 1008 E. 43rd. The front yard of this corner lot demands attention as color and variety in plantings extend to the curb. Roses combined with holly and annuals make every inch eye-catching.
Garden of Ron Coyle, 4207 E. Windsong. This large corner lot showplaces a newly created landscape profuse with purple, pink and white flowers. A waterfall, tall trees and carefully chosen plants reside in a tranquil setting.
Garden of Judy and Ted Anderson, 2021 S. Abrams Ct. This “natural” garden minimizes maintenance and highlights unusual and indigenous plants. The landscape also contains two greenhouses for geraniums and bonsai.
Garden of Alan and Susan Tower, 3412 E. 64th Ct. This garden visit, although already printed on the ticket brochure, is excluded from the tour due to the recent hailstorm that damaged many of the blooming flowers. (Appreciation and condolences to the Towers.)
For specific questions regarding the tour, call Faith Smith at 325-0575.