Ohio City Gardeners' Annual Garden Tour September 17, 2006

The third annual walk, sponsored by Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer, features an enchanted forest in the heart of the city, a bird sanctuary with seasonal berries that hosts the Terminal Tower’s peregrine falcon and other birds throughout the year, and a selection of creative garden designs and fountains to spark imagination and planning for tourists.

Six urban gardens are conveniently clustered for the self-guided walking tour. Among the highlights of this year’s event are the following:

• An expansive lot that features thriving conifers and shrubs, as well as myriad variegated plants that become chameleon-like with the seasons.

• A garden that has become an Ohio City bird sanctuary, attracting even the Terminal Tower’s peregrine falcon with its winterberries, raspberries, segmented sculptures and fountain waters

• A spacious hideaway boasting beaming daisies, herb garden and hollyhocks

• A space that includes a contemporary fountain that resembles a huge bonfire, as well as grasses and other lush border plants

• A former neglected patch of grass that has been transformed into a cozy spot for conversation, with its Victorian hitching post, sculptures, fountain and found treasures.

• The Kentucky Garden, a completely organic community garden tended to by more than 200 neighbors, from which tour goers can purchase affordable salad fixings for dinner or a jar of sweet, golden honey.

Tickets, which include a detailed map, are available the day of the event at Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast, 3804-06 Franklin Boulevard, for $10 each. Street parking is available and the entire tour is an easy walk from the ticket site.

Ohio City Gardeners is a non-profit organization organized to promote educational programs for its members to make them more aware of horticulture principles and to participate in philanthropic endeavors to beautify Ohio City. This summer the members are planting and maintaining the West Side Market’s garden entrance on the north side of the Hope Memorial Bridge. All tour proceeds will support similar future educational and planting projects.

For additional information, email [email protected].