Gardening is a hobby that brings people in touch with nature.  A garden can be a place where one can meditate, play or simply watch the wildlife that visits the garden.  It can also be a source of inspiration.  Members of the Allen Garden Club hope to inspire the people of Allen to get ideas for their own gardens at their annual spring garden tour on Saturday, June 7 and at the same time help support the Allen Garden Club with their Children’s NativePlantAlphabetGarden project.

The members of the Allen Garden Club have a dream of creating a beautiful children’s garden right here in Allen that will be available for families to visit and will be utilized by the city for demonstration and educational purposes.  Children will regain that sense of wonder as they explore the garden.  Native plants from A-Z will be used to create this garden that was designed by David Ilfrey of NativeDave.com.  The entry will feature an arch with native vines clinging to the posts and spilling over the top.  A labyrinth will be in the center of the garden where children can play surrounded by beds filled with native plants, butterflies fluttering about and birds singing in nearby trees.  Benches will be included in an open area to use as an outdoor classroom where adults and children can learn about water-wise gardening practices, composting, native and adapted plants, creating backyard habitats and more.

There are seven private gardens featured on this tour. You will be encouraged by the members of the Allen Garden Club to take pictures of plants you like in the gardens.  They will be there to tell you about the garden and offer friendly gardening advice. You may also have an opportunity to talk to the homeowners about their gardens.  This tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about what grows best in our area and you will find ideas you want to include in your own landscape. 

Each garden exemplifies the personality and tastes of the gardener.  The theme for this years’ tour says it all . . . Our Gardens are Works of Heart.  They are created by homeowners who have a love of gardening and a desire to create a beautiful outdoor living environment.  The gardens feature native and drought tolerant plants, a variety of colorful perennials, tropical retreats, an alley garden, herb gardens, square foot gardening practices, an extensive water garden complete with koi, the use of art objects in the garden and many other picturesque features.

You will also have an opportunity to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a brand new yard vac/chipper/shredder donated by Keep Allen Beautiful or a gift certificate for a one hour massage donated by In Touch Day Spa.  The garden club members will also have plants from their gardens and note cards featuring a local artists’ rendering of the historic St. Mary’s church for sale at some of the garden locations. 

Spring garden tour books will be available starting in mid-May at Puckett’s Nursery at 811 East Main in Allen or from any Allen Garden Club member for a $10 donation.  This garden tour is proudly sponsored by Keep Allen Beautiful.  For more information about our garden tour, please visit www.allengardenclub.org or call Denise Webre at (972) 390-8536.