Master gardeners to host tour of eight gardens

By Scott L. Miley

July 09, 2008 01:38 am

— ANDERSON — The plants and trees have grown a bit since LeAnna Reardon’s garden was last a part of the Madison County Master Gardeners Tour five years ago.
Her garden now resembles a fuller, cottage-style approach that she has sought since moving into her home 20 years ago on Anderson’s northeast side.
“Most people would describe the garden as very full of flowers. I’m not the kind of gardener who has everything neatly in its own space,” said Reardon.
The plants, hostas and shade trees among them seem to blend together.
Her home, shared with husband Dan, is one of eight featured in the 10th annual Garden Tour on Saturday. The tour, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., typically begins at the Gruenewald Historic House, 626 Main St. in Anderson. However, tickets can be purchased at any of the eight sites located in the mid and northern part of the county.
The sites include a countryside retreat, a national wildlife habitat and hillside gardens along Lily Creek.
This year, the gardens are more in proximity to each other, as compared to previous years when visitors had to drive to various county locations.
“This year it worked out. They’re more centrally located, which is great because of gas prices,” said Loretta Heiniger, chairwoman of the tour.
Visitors might get good suggestions as they travel between the gardens, she said.
“We always hope they get ideas for their own gardens plus they can get a few hours of enjoyment where you can see a variety of gardens,” Heiniger said.
For example, LeAnna Reardon likes to combine plants by color and grow some that she can use for dried flower arrangements, which hang on a wall in her home. But she also has shaded areas with hostas and trees.
The Madison County Master Gardener Association was formed in 1995 and is comprised of volunteers who have completed 40 hours of horticultural training through Purdue University’s Master Gardener program.
Part of the association’s mission is to give back to the community through volunteer services as well as training, education and special projects that promote good horticultural practices.
Master gardeners will be on hard at each garden to answer questions.
The admission is $5 a person. All proceeds from the tour go to the Madison County Master Gardener Association Scholarship Fund. The organization has given several thousand dollars to high school seniors who wish to further their education in the horticultural field. Since 1999, scholarships have been given to as many as three students a year.
“Providing scholarships for young people is our privilege but the success of our garden tour is a must,” said one of the organizers, Marilyn Lenhart.
Information is also available at www.madisoncountymastergardener.org. Tickets may be purchased from any master gardener or by calling Loretta Heiniger at (765) 215-1407 or Marilyn Lenhart at (765) 724-7999.


If you go
What: Madison County Master Gardener’s Tour
When: Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person. Tickets may be purchased at each site.
Hosts: Madison County Master Gardener Association
Where: Eight locations, a map is available at www.madisoncountymastergardener.org
Locations: Gruenewald House, 626 Main St.; Anderson, and gardens by Rita Maines, 804 Dresser Drive; LeAnna Reardon, 1243 Brunswick Way; Susan Seal, 2700 Alexandria Pike; Marjorie Secund, 3584 E. 400N; Pat Breckenridge, 11610 N. 400E; Michelle Rowland, 557 E. 1450N, and Vickie Griffin, 2467 W. 1300N. Plants will be on sale at the Gruenewald House.
 

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