Tuesday, March 23, 2010

GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR

GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR


Celebrate Frederick’s 2010 Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour features ten of Frederick’s finest private and public gardens that are sure to inspire your green thumb! These beautiful gardens will appeal to everyone, from the novice gardener to the seasoned pro. Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour will be held in Historic Frederick on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th, from 1 to 5 p.m.

In addition, this year’s garden tour introduces a brand new Garden Marketplace. This inaugural marketplace will be located at the Official Garden Tour Hospitality Center in the City Hall Courtyard, and will fill the surrounding area with music, food, and garden related wares. Marketplace hours are 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. City Hall is located at 101 North Court Street in Frederick, Maryland.

This year’s tour showcases a variety of gardening styles, from Old World charm and formal elegance, to English-infused beauty.

The gardens for this year’s tour follow:

The Gardens of the Evangelical Lutheran Church - 31 E. Church Street

Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1738, and is the oldest Lutheran congregation in Maryland. The present sanctuary was built in 1854 and shortly thereafter was used as a hospital after the battle of Antietam in September 1862. The grounds on Church Street accommodate over 13 gardens that range from formal to casual. The gardens have played backdrop to beautiful weddings, as well as picnics and church gatherings. The 100 year old Elm and low growing Japanese Maple tree create a serene atmosphere for members of the congregation seeking private conversations or ministering. In addition to providing sanctuary, the gardens often play a teaching role. A local eagle scout earned a badge designing and laying out one of the many gardens. The garden is graciously maintained by John Andrews Landscape Enterprises.

The Garden of Larry and Ann Attanasio - 223 E. 2nd Street

Just two blocks from Market Street, escape from the summer’s heat in this casual and serene garden. Beyond the double gate of this 1840 Federal style house lies an inviting garden evocative of a "Charleston hidden porch". This shade garden offers an oasis from the summer's heat. Several lovely seating areas among ferns and potted plants create an inviting atmosphere which might cause you to linger a bit in this second garden.

The Garden of Guillermo & Dian Rubiera - 225 E. 2nd Street

Whether it was dirt, flowers or building hardscapes – Dian Guillermo grew up in the country working hands on in the garden. The idea of planning, executing and completing a plan in the garden is something Dian finds both relaxing and rewarding. Korean and Kousa Dogwood, a Japanese Maple and a large Gingko tree shared between neighbors add height to the garden. In addition to the Colorado Spruces, Nellie Steven Hollis, Aunt Dee and Prolific Wisteria, the butterfly bush adds even more ambiance to this lush landscape. The slate patio with bricked gold fish pond houses arbortorium pots of stella d’oro and hibiscus. As you follow the flower beds along the slate path to the back of the garden, steal a moment of calm and shade under the wisteria covered pergola.

The Garden of Ruth Schipper - 311 E. 3rd Street

A backyard filled with patchy spots of green grass dotted with clover, strawberry plants and three fruit trees generously “donated” from passing birds greeted this garden owner on move in day. Walking along a hand laid (and wobbly) brick path to the back gate the ideas began to flow. After the completion of the University of Maryland Extension Service Master Gardeners class, Ruth began work on her “canvas” at 311 E. Third Street. With the help of Hawkins Landscaping, the garden and path was laid out as you see it today. The new stone path incorporates the bricks of the wobbly one of old and leads to a small statue of St. Fiacre – patron saint of gardeners. Dominated by perennials and vigorous self-seeing plants, the garden also boasts many plantings given by good friends. Watching these plantings return to life each Spring is considered a wonderful reminder of affection and gratitude for this Master Gardener.

The Garden of Tom & Cathy Canning - 327 E. 3rd Street

A blend between formal and cottage styles, you are visiting a garden in the season for which it was specifically designed. Spending much of their summer in Cape May, the Canning’s wanted to be sure to take advantage of the beautiful Frederick spring before heading off for vacation. A flagstone entrance was constructed off the screened in porch to lead you into the garden. While an antique park lamp and iron-gate create a vintage inspired backdrop to the blooming peonies.

The Garden of Michael & Patricia Harrison at Café Anglais - 238 N. Market Street

Daisy’s Garden, named for the Harrison’s pet dog, provides patrons of Café Anglais the chance to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. This peaceful English style garden is a natural setting for many bridal showers and birthdays parties here in downtown Frederick. Each winter, the Harrison’s eagerly await the spring to hear the birds, see the bulbs emerge and plan on a summer of color. A variety of ferns and one large hemlock mark this landscaped yard with a mix of Astilbe, Campanula, Primrose and Hydrangea. Three unique features were added to the garden upon some apartment renovations by the homeowners. The claw footed tubs proved to be the perfect vessels for water features and planting.

The Garden at the Record Street Home for the Aged - 115 Record Street

The Record Street Home was established to provide “means of obtaining the comfort and security so necessary for the repose of mind and body which should ever attend the declining years of life” and is the only one of its kind still operable in the State of Maryland. This garden provides a pleasant place for its residents to enjoy the outdoors or remain active through light gardening. The two patios are ideal for residents to relax with friends and family during visits while observing the bird and butterfly residents of the garden.

The Garden of Marlborough House - 101 Record Street

You will find the beauty of this garden not behind the garden gates but in the front. The garden tended by residents Tom & Madge Yewell, Dick & Franci Wryough and Chip Dorsey borders the front of this house on the corner of Record and Church Streets. Essentially a planting garden, take note of the large Pyracatha as most people strolling by home do as well. A back patio plays host to parties and dinners in the summer and boasts items brought back from one of the residents previous homes in Mexico.

The Garden of Kevin & Margaret Hluch - 113 W. All Saints Street

Described by the Hluch’s as a space for meditation, their Zen layout brings a different style garden to the tour. Not solely considered a place for relaxation, the garden comfortably hosts BBQ’s, cocktails parties and a possible wedding in the near future. Central to the garden is a pergola and serene lily pond which provides the ideal spot to take rest in the space. The garden and Carroll Creek provide a wonderful backdrop for the many sculptures the Hluch’s treasure.

The Market Street Garden and The Director’s Rose Garden of the Federated Charities of Frederick 22 S. Market Street

Two distinctive gardens can be found at this location, one an original “postage stamp” style garden and the other a secluded niche tucked behind the building. The Market Street Garden, situated along the side of the building, is reminiscent of the Greek revival style of the residence itself. Visitors will be welcomed by the original Wickersham wrought iron fencing and gates surrounding this space. The Director’s Rose Garden can be found in the rear of the building. Both gardens are dominated by roses. The Market Street Garden is further enhanced by a host of perennials and annuals, including hostas, English ivy and Prairie Mallow plants. Matt Shelton of Innovative Landscapes graciously donates his talents to help maintain these gardens.

As you’re wandering through each garden, take a minute to watch the local artists who will be creating their own vision of the space, and don’t forget to visit the Garden Marketplace at the Frederick City Hall Courtyard for garden-related merchandise, food, and refreshments.

Tickets for the tour, which is held rain or shine, cost $20 per person and are mid-April at the following locations:

* Flights of Fancy - 20 N. East Street
* The Grapevine - 117 E. Patrick Street
* The Tourism Council of Frederick County - 19 E. Church Street

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.celebratefrederick.com via Pay-Pal starting in April.

As all of the gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners or business owners, proper garden tour etiquette is requested. This includes remaining on paths or following directions through the gardens as indicated by the hosts. In addition, please refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes or pushing strollers in grassy areas. This will help to preserve the beauty of the gardens that the owners have worked so diligently to provide for the tour. Parents are asked to prevent children from picking flowers.

The 2010 Garden Tour Committee of Celebrate Frederick and The Tasker’s Chance Garden Club organized this year’s tour. The following Corporate Sponsors make this event possible by their generous financial contributions to Celebrate Frederick, our sponsors are: Spires Level Sponsors: Bechtel Group Foundation and Spectrum Federal Credit Union; Carillon Level Sponsors: Comcast, Sandy Spring Bank, Weis Markets, and 99.9 WFRE/930 WFMD; Bandshell Level Sponsors: BB&T, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News Post, The Plamondon Companies and WHAG. Program Sponsor: Frederick Memorial Hospital.

For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at
301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

To far to attend to the garden gates gala but l would love to see the photos. Our summers in the southwest are not cherished as your are. Lol But please drop some photos in your blog of the Gardens. Thanks