If you go

Fri., June 20, 2008

The Spokesman-Review

The following gardens are starring attractions in the 2008 Spokane in Bloom garden tour of the South Hill. Most of the stops are within walking distance of one another. Lists and directions will be available at featured gardens.

• Grand Illusion Garden, 2705 Mount Vernon Drive, a profusion of floral fragrances, flowing water and birdsong. Winner of the garden club’s May Garden of the Month contest. From I-90 take Freya/Thor exit and head south, turn right on 17th Avenue, turn left on Mount Vernon.

• Magical Mystical Garden, 1918 Bogart Court, modern world meets an old-world forest that’s friendly to gnomes and elves.

• Spellbinding Power Garden, 3927 E. 18th Ave., more than 100 container gardens, vines, mature evergreens, rock beds, dahlias and gargoyles.

• Enchanted Welcome Garden, 3915 E. 17th Ave., a wisteria covered outdoor garden room and sunken garden perfect for weddings and parties.

• Charmed Secret Garden, 3924 E. 17th Ave., a shaded paradise of Japanese maples, conifers, shrub roses and hostas.

• Bewitching Spell Garden, 4028 E. 17th Ave., hardworking nursery owners are transforming a neglected spot into a garden of their dreams.

• Abracadabra Alacazam Garden, 4125 E. 17th Ave., a life-size draft horse sculpture in a field of flowers gives way to container gardens and more art.

Tickets to Saturday’s Spokane in Bloom Magical Mystery Tour of seven South Hill gardens are $10 and may be purchased at featured gardens. The Vin Rouge Garden Cafe will sell lunch items at the Enchanted Welcome Garden, 3915 E. 17th Ave. Sandwiches, barbecue beef brisket, pasta salads, spring vegetables, strawberry shortcake, soda, water, wine and beer will be on the menu. Prices will range from $1 to $4 for beverages and $4 to $7 for entrees.

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