The Tour Draws Near

The tour draws near, tomorrow. Yup, it is coming up faster than a Popsicle melts outside in the southern heat. Wow! What was I thinking? I know what I was thinking, how cool would it be to be on the tour? Yes indeed. Time will tell.

My friend Judie, a newly minted Master Gardener, was the one who threw my name into the hat for gardens on this year's tour. She tried to warn me before I got the call from Delona, but didn't catch me in time. I was shocked. Literally shocked. Then it all became clear once Judie reached me.

Judie and I attended the Tree Steward Class Karla put on in 2006. The class consisted of 40 hours of training, and a 25 hour volunteer requirement. Judie and I sat next to each other and got to know one another well. It also helped that she and I were the only 'county' folks in the class. We also happened to live in the same town, Woodlawn.

Judie loves my garden and has visited several times. I am tickled to see her come and visit because she is so enthusiastic about gardening. She and her partner stopped by one day and took a long tour. They have returned many times since that initial visit in 2006, but one memory was unforgettable for all of us. Anyone who is familiar with touch-me-nots, aka jewelweed, know that when they are ripe the seed pods literally explode. In your hands. Judie and Phil visited during the summer when the seedpods were very mature. I asked Judie if she would like some seeds and she said sure. I pointed out a seedpod and said to help herself. It was so hard for me to keep from giving it away! Well, you know what happened! Judie got a shock and could not believe it. I am sure she will never forget those exploding seeds in her fingers, nor will I or Phil.

The upcoming tour will see many friends come by to visit, some for the first and only time, some will return, and some have been here many times. I am looking forward to seeing all visitors. Judie and Phil will be here helping out. They are both Master Gardeners and will be gaining some hours by volunteering. But that is not really the reason they will be here, they will be here because they are my friends, love to garden as much as me, and love my garden (now that she is over the shock). Geri will also be here helping out. She is not earning any volunteer hours, but is my friend who I conned into helping. And I just recently received an email from a Garden Club friend and a wonderful kind woman who has taught me much about gardening and life. The email said, "I am coming to your house to help out with the tour. I will be there around 9 am with something really good to eat. I need directions." Nancy knows I would doth protest too much as I do live a ways out here and would not want her working. Her email left no room for that, so I naturally sent her the directions to the house. What a great bunch of friends. I am not sure who else will show up as of now, but for all of you friends (and you know who you are), thanks for volunteering to help me! Much love. I think we have it covered. There are also a few Master Gardener Volunteers and I appreciate them offering to help out as well!

This will be a learning lesson for me, and a lesson I hope that is not too hard. It is one thing hosting friends, quite another allowing between 200-300 people to visit one's garden. I hope all goes smoothly and ask for not only myself, but the other gardeners on the tour that you all be kind. Our gardens are personal and our works of love we gladly share with you willingly. I know everyone has put a lot of work into their gardens and they are all looking great with this super weather we are having. I expect the weather tomorrow will be superb for a garden tour, hopefully no showers will fall on the gardens until after the tour. Be sure to say hi to the gardener or gardeners, but if they are tied up with someone else, either be patient or understand it will be a busy day for us all. I will have a guest book at my garden and hope everyone who visits will leave their name and a comment or two. Maybe you could tell me your favorite flower or feature in the garden? This would be a nice way for me to remember you and the day. The gardeners will also have a mailing list book for Master Gardener mailings, brochures about the master gardener program and upcoming fall class, and even tickets that you can purchase.

I must say a most, MOST appreciative thank you to my new neighbor, Denise. She has kindly agreed to allow parking at her new home next door. This has been a big relief for me. The last tour I went on in 2006, I found parking at some homes to be difficult. I think her allowing this is an awesome, awesome way to show me what kind of a lady she is and one that I know I will enjoy living next door to. I will be sure to repay her in any way I can. Okay Denise? See ya soon. All the neighbors around here are very happy to have you as a new neighbor and are looking forward to meeting you and your family.

After many years sans hollyhocks, they are back! I hope they continue to return. Hollyhocks are one of Judie's favorite flowers. In fact, I believe it is her most favorited flower. So for her and Phil, the picture of the white hollyhock (my only color) is for them. They have lots of colors in their garden, but one that is memorable is a black hollyhock. The white is a perfect foil for the black and I will gladly share some seeds Judie. :-)

Thanks Phil for sending the picture of this very distinct hollyhock-I think it does make a good counterpoint to the white hollyhock and it is beautiful!

in the garden....expecting visitors and grateful for friends and good neighbors.