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Wichita County Master Gardeners tour set May 17By Tara McKnight Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent, horticulture, Wichita County Texas Mark your calendars. The Wichita County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual "Thru the Garden Gate" tour May 17. The tour is from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There are five homes in the tour this year in Wichita Falls. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the different Master Gardener gardens as well as ask any questions that you might have. The tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children. Tickets are available at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office at 600 Scott Ave., in the Courthouse Annex Building on the second floor. (Enter in through the metal door on 6th Street and come upstairs.) Tickets will also be available the day of the tour at the individual homes. The following is a list of homes along with the description of the gardens: Beth Turlington, 5216 Navajo Trail, Wichita Falls, 76310--Beth's garden is a work in progress that started 7 years ago with a big ugly hedge and two pitiful rose bushes that were already standing. As these plants have been removed, the garden has evolved on a wing and a prayer or perhaps by the seat of Beth's pants. It is not the least bit formal, just relaxed and comfortable. With grandchildren and dogs to contend with, if it breaks, she can fix it and no one has to worry about it. Controlled chaos may best describe things, but the vegetable garden is a different site with its fenced area and neat little rows. Beth has a huge soft spot for petunias. Her grandmother always had them in her garden and she is the reason and inspiration for gardening. The joy Beth gets from all the work is matched only by the joy of sharing it with her grandchildren and turning them into the next generation of gardeners. Jan Gardin, 4718 James Street, Wichita Falls, 76308--Jan Gardin started working on her backyard eight years ago. She dug the hole and her husband was committed to help. The pond they built together took a year and a half. It was a weekend job when time allowed. It holds approximately 2800 gallons and is complete with a very large albino catfish. As Jan has gotten more interested in the surrounding yard, she took the Master Gardening Class through the Extension office and is greatly enjoying her new found expertise. It's still a work in progress as Jan is planting more perennials and working the soil around her side of the yard. This year has brought a raised vegetable garden in the back corner of the yard. More ferns are being planted as the pergola and wisteria are creating great shade around the pond. Steven Bitz, 5021 Rock Point, Wichita Falls, 76310--Steven has a backyard full of raised beds and walkways. Steve has put many hours into the redo of his yard as well as the addition of a new greenhouse. The center of the garden features a wagon wheel design with an array of plants. You will be overtaken by the great smell of blooming flowers in this yard. A 'must see' for someone with a passion for flowers. Douglas Hutchins, 127 Wellington Lane, Wichita Falls, 76305--Doug and Brenda have designed a garden with low maintenance in mind without sacrificing beauty, charm or function. In the front, evergreen trees provide privacy and help muffle traffic sounds. A large variety of drought tolerant perennials and reseeding annuals arranged informally in raised beds along rock-lined walkways provide a succession of bloom as well as habitat for wildlife. Statuary of a coyote and other Texas critters add to the charm. Inside the picket-lined back yard is shaded children's play area, a hand-laid brick patio and a garden pond. Jewellie Stephens, 2203 Taft, Wichita Falls, 76306--Jewellie calls her garden her "Sacred Place." With her collection of rocks, that has been gathered from favorite places, she has integrated them with favorite plants of Holly Hocks, Cannas and Sun Flowers. It is a special whimsical feeling that you will receive when you are in her garden. Jewellie's garden sits beside the very busy Kell Blvd. Travelers receive a special treat as they pass through and look down on her garden below. Jewellie's newest addition is a exquisitely painted fence full of fairies. This is a must see. Your garden and landscape questions are always welcome. You may either contact me at our County Extension office, 940-716-8610, or by e-mail, tcmcknight@ag.tamu.edu. You are always encouraged to visit the Wichita County Master Gardner website at www.overthegardengate.org. Another great website to visit for very useful garden hints and answers is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/. This article, along with every article, will also be featured on www.joetomwhite.com 24 hours a day under county agents.
Date: 8/29/08
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