If you enjoyed 2012, don't miss 2013!
Genesee County
Master Gardener
Garden Tour 2013
Country Charm
and Garden Art
Gaines area and Argentine Township
Southwest corner of Genesee County
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through beautiful gardens in the Gaines and Argentine Township Area. Each site has its own unique features. A Master Gardener is at every site to answer questions.
“If you've never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden. “
~Robert Brault
“If you've never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden. “
~Robert Brault
Site 1 Sharp Road
Trudy and Dan have been developing their eclectic garden beds and informal landscaping since 1972. Trudy loves adding unique plants to her landscape. Some feature trees are the weeping katsura tree, white flowering fringe tree, seven son flowering tree, and esk sunset maple tree. Trudy has also planted many flowering hydrangea bushes–tardiva oakleaf, quickfire , and white dome. Splashes of color can be seen in every direction as the gardens continuously evolve as the seasons change.
Site 3 Genesee Street
Ever since Don and Sally Hunt moved to this historic Gaines town
site in 1999, they have been working on restoring the home and garden back to
its original beauty. The home was built
by Henry Bush in the 1800’s after he made his fortune during the California Gold
rush as a shopkeeper.
You will feel like you have stepped back in history as you meander through the shaded gardens surrounding this historical home situated on four lots. The brick and stone walks with whimsical touches will lead your way. This English cottage landscape features a mixture of roses and flowering bushes. Window boxes rest on every window sill. Don and Sally have done 99% of the restoration themselves and have tried to keep the house and gardens with the “old house” Nature. Site 5 Lahring Road
The Lichon’s gardens represent what can be achieved with a small budget, and patience over a 15 year period. Their first official garden was a “friendship garden” which was born from divisions of plants from friends in MOPS who helped plant and mulch the area.
The rest of the gardens and landscape followed over the next several years. In the back is a large perennial garden. The vegetable garden was updated into raised beds for 2012. Michalene found this to be the best decision ever made. The harvest was plentiful and the maintenance was much easier. This year the Lichens intend to add fruit gardens. “There is always digging to be done and plants to tend to. Hopefully, in another ten years I will have more to share. Until then keep digging, planting, and watering!” Site 7 Whitehead Drive
Phyllis and her husband built on a vacant lot in 1973. They started landscaping small and gradually increased as interest in gardening increased. Gardening at this home continues throughout the year under fluorescent lights in the basement and shed, wintering over annuals, bulbs and cuttings.
Phyllis says that although the front of the house, close to the roadside, gets the most comments from passersby, her favorite is the quiet solitude in the back. “This is where I spend most of my time, surrounded by plants and listening to the waterfall in the pond, watching the birds feed and my dog chasing her shadow across the yard. There has been a lot of trial and error, jubilation and disappointment to get to this point. I’ve been very blessed and think God every day for the gardens He has allowed me to create and nurture.” Tickets will go on sale in June
Lasers Flower Shop 8002 Miller Rd Swartz Creek
Bordines Nursery 9100 Torrey Rd. Grand Blanc Gerychs Flower & Gifts 713 Silver lake Road Fenton Heavenly Scent Herb Garden 13730 White Lake Rd Fenton Piechnik Greenhouse 13172 McCumsey Road Clio Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 Atherton Rd Burton Tickets
Adults $10.00 Children under 12 $2.00 Checks should be made out to: MMGAGCC |
Site 2 Sharp Road
Kate’s oriental garden nestled in a forest cove has been inspired by Kate’s frequent trips to China, Japan and the Himalayas. The large rock in the
courtyard is the head of a dragon that lies coiled beneath, sleeping. Dragons
are symbols of strength and longevity. This one is generally
benevolent, but can be mischievous at times. Prayer flags and origami cranes greet you at this Oriental-themed garden. Origami cranes are
believed to grant wishes and bring good fortune. They are often used
to symbolize the hope for world peace. Dry rock beds and plants of Asian origin create a miniature landscape of island and forest. A Japanese lantern and other works of art provide focal points for viewing. The back yard features a small perennial garden and flagstone patio and fireplace, the perfect spot for entertaining a midst the surrounding trees. The following plants reflect the garden’s theme: Dragon’s eye pine, Gingko tree,
Black dragon cedar, Hinoki cypress, Dragon’s blood sedum, Weeping pea tree, Full moon Japanese maple, Sunset glow bamboo, Crimson queen Japanese maple, Japanese blood grass, Snow-in-the-valley Japanese pine, Chinese pom-pom juniper. The garden is not large, but the thought behind everything planted and placed in the garden is huge. This garden was designed and built by the homeowner, who has traveled and studied gardens in Japan, China, and the Himalayan Kingdoms. Site 4 Markel Road, Gaines
Dennis and Kim live in the country on two acres with pine trees scattered about the property. They have been developing their gardens for about thirty years in their spare time. Kim takes care of the flowers, and her husband tends the raised vegetable beds. They may sit on their gazebo covered deck to enjoy nature while drinking their coffee, but Kim’s favorite place is sitting on a bench, looking down a path with flowers on both sides. One of their newest additions has been an ornamental pond with a waterfall. Kim says that her gardens say, “Sit down, rest a spell and enjoy the sounds of the birds and the sound of our peaceful waterfall. We call it our country garden.”
Site 6 Locke
Ferdinand & Kathy Hampson purchased the property from master gardeners in 2002. The first few years, maintaining the existing garden was their primary goal. More recently, the Hampson's began putting their own signature on the gardens by adding perennials, sculpture, a deck, lighting, and creating a fern garden. They have learned to appreciate and enjoy the effort and beauty that gardening provides. The Hampton’s favorite garden features greeting visitors at arrival are a pond, bonsai, ground cover and miniature plantings. The English country style of the home adds to the magical garden setting.
Garden ArtGarden art will be for sale on the day of the tour at site #5. There will be hypertufa, iron works, bird houses and more.
Garden Tour 2014The garden tour committee is planning on having the garden tour in the norther part of Grand Blanc and Burton area in 2014. If you have a lovely garden or know of someone who does that lives in this area, please use the form at the bottom to contact us. We will select gardens for next year this summer.
Michigan Master Gardener Association
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Genesee County Master Gardener Garden Tour 2012 Pictures
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If you are a Master Gardener and would like to help with the garden tour, please leave information. If you might like your home on the garden tour at a later date, please leave information. If you would just like to leave a comment, feel free. We welcome all ideas and suggestions. We would love to hear from you. Whatever you write will go directly to my e-mail address. It will not be posted for everyone to see.
Kay McCullough, Chairperson
Kay McCullough, Chairperson
