If you’ve ever dreamed of a beautiful, eye-catching flower or vegetable garden for your plot of land; if you’ve ever wondered about which plants to place in sun or shade; if you’ve considered a water feature for your garden; if you’re concerned about bed preparation, soil amendments, or water conservation, or if you would just like to stroll through idyllic garden settings, then plan to attend the 10th Annual Tour of Gardens in Rockwall County, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year the Rockwall County Master Gardeners have teamed with four gracious homeowners to bring back popular gardens from previous year’s in honor of our 10th tour. This is a great opportunity to see how these beautiful landscapes have grown and changed or possibly see one you missed on a previous tour! One is a huge lakefront property in Heath and 3 are in Old Towne Rockwall. Guided tours of the Rockwall County Courthouse landscape will also be offered for your viewing pleasure.
New this year is a hat contest. Every year, we admire the fun hats that our guests create to wear on Tour Day. This year, we are honoring them by having a contest. Go to the Courthouse location and have your picture taken. Master Gardeners will vote on the best hat of the day and award a prize!
As always, the Rockwall County Discovery Garden, created and maintained by the Rockwall County Master Gardeners, will be on display. After back to back hot, dry summers, come see how well our perennials have thrived and continue to grow. Some of the beds and paths have been revamped, giving an updated look that will give you creative hardscape ideas to help conserve water but not sacrifice eye appeal. The Eagles Nest raised bed demonstration area continues to grow. Don’t forget to bring the kids — the Peter Rabbit children’s area is a blast! Special activities at the Discovery Garden will include:
- A variety of topiaries will be displayed in the community garden. The creative botanical interpretations will be constructed by the Master Gardeners.
- A company with whimsical whirligigs will be exhibiting a delightful selection of garden art. Tour visitors will be able to order their favorite wind catchers from the vendor.
- Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to support the Discovery Garden’s mission by purchasing a brick engraved with their choice of words. The bricks will form a walkway in the garden that will highlight these generous donors. Each brick will cost $40 and the engraving is limited to three lines with 16 characters per line. Orders can be placed and paid for at the Discovery Garden on the day of the tour.
This is a "tour at your leisure" event. The gardens can be viewed in any orde,r just as long as you make sure you see them all before they close at 2 p.m. The Founder’s Day celebration is also May 18. Consider making Old Town your last stop and then head up to the Square for the festivities that will go on into the evening!
Tickets are on sale now at the following retail locations: American National Bank - Ridge Road & North Goliad, Covington’s Nursery, Culver’s Restaurant, Land Art Nursery, The Life House as well as from any Rockwall County Master Gardener. They can also be purchased at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office located at 915 Whitmore Ste. B in Rockwall. Visit rockmga.org or call 972-204-7660 for more information! Ticket prices are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the tour.