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Reynoldsburg's Garden Tour June 25
Several gardens throughout Reynoldsburg will be in bloom and open to the public on June 25 during the city’s 12th annual Garden Tour that features landscaping endeavors of private residences.
The tour begins at the Livingston House, 1792 Graham Road, where gardens reflect the planting style of the 1800s, and visitors are invited to stroll grounds maintained by the Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation Department.
Fisher’s Gardens joined with the city this year to co-sponsor the free event, which begins at noon and concludes at 4 p.m. Maps and information are available at each stop on the tour and participating homes are clearly marked.
“In the past, the gardens have featured perennial and annual beds, water features and artwork, and from traditional backyard gardens to outdoor living spaces,” said Jason Shamblin, parks and recreation department director.
Homeowners or their representative will be on site to discuss their work and city Horticulturalist Dylane Williams will be available to answer questions about the city’s flower beds and plantings.
People visiting all of the homes on the tour can redeem a complete stamped guide for a $5 gift certificate at Fisher’s, 1540 Truro Ave., which is featuring an heirloom tomato garden.
Bee Kocher, co-owner of the Reynoldsburg nursery, said her house was on the first garden tour. She encourages others to participate and said it is a great way to get things done in time for the summer season.
The company partnered with the city for the first time this year because Kocher felt there are many great gardens throughout the city.
“Visitors can get a peak behind the fence and we like that the tour is another community-based event,” Kocher said. “We really want to promote that Reynoldsburg is a great community. Not only does the cityscape look good, but the private homes as well.”
Margie Barrett is a Four Seasons Garden Club member who is showcasing her 7528 Daugherty Drive garden on the 2011 tour. She and her husband moved to the city four years ago looking for a one-floor home and a place where she was not tempted to garden.
“I didn’t even move in with a wheelbarrow,” Barrett said. “But I just couldn’t stay out of the dirt. I’m a farm girl and early this spring, we decided to re-landscape.”
Included in Barrett’s plantings is a fairy garden containing miniature flora and decorative accents, in addition to a custom-crafted birdhouse made by her son, who lives in England.
The property borders a pond and primarily features perennial beds. Barrett said she loves garden tours and often goes on them to get fresh ideas for her own yard. A neighbor living across the street is also on the Reynoldsburg tour.
In addition to the Livingston House and Barrett’s home, the tour includes the following garden sites:
• Chuck Cochran, 8158 Maugham Drive;
• Jeanie Haskakis, 7523 Daugherty Drive;
• City Hall, Delayne Williams, 7232 E. Main St.; and
• Fisher’s Garden Center, 1540 Truro Ave.
Two more gardens could be added to the tour, but were unconfirmed at time of press.
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