The Through the Garden Gate tour is designed to demonstrate to the public how the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County maintain their own landscapes. Each year several private gardens and various projects are selected to be on tour. These are not “connoisseur” or “checkbook” gardens, but rather “teaching gardens” providing real-life lessons and inspiration. Come be a part of our 14th year!
Visiting gardens at their prime in spring is always a joy. Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County hope you will join them on Saturday, May 7, 10am to 5pm.
These gardens will delight the senses and give inspiration and encouragement to gardeners and would-be gardeners alike. Master Gardeners will be on site providing
interpretation and educational opportunities for tour guests. Plant lists and printed educational materials will also be available at each garden.
The Garden Tour admission is $15 per person. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at any of the gardens on the tour for $20. Children 10 and under are free. All entries to the gardens must have a ticket. Tickets can also be purchased at each garden the day of the Garden Tour. Only cash or checks will be accepted. The gardens are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Only service animals are allowed. Tour will be held rain or shine.
Here are the gardens featured on this year’s Garden Tour:
The Gambon Garden
1119 Cameron Creek, Marietta 30062
Home of a youth education community volunteer who is devoted to restoration, soil recovery, and garden education, the Gambon garden demonstrates a commitment to reducing our carbon imprint. Compost education, earth ambassador classes, camps and landfill reduction school programs that are at the heart of this gardener’s work are reflected in the garden’s water-smart installations, pollinator plants and ecological pond, along with modest hardscapes designed with the ecosystem in mind.
The Burson Garden
2607 Cotton Mill Court, Marietta 30062
Butterflies flock to the many perennials in the Burson garden that has been a work in progress for over 25 years. Garden beds in the front, back and side yards are adorned with hostas, heucheras, clematis, salvia, hydrangeas, Japanese maples, azaleas, camellias, tropical plants, and roses. The garden includes many passa- long plants, along with colorful pots and garden art. In the very back of this lot is a sunny spot for blueberries and raised beds for herbs and vegetables. This primarily sunny yard, with a few shady areas, supports a diversity of plants for year-round bloom.
The Stockton Garden
778 Chelsea Park Lane, Marietta 30068
Making the most of its Southern woodland setting, the Stockton garden makes good use of shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals for partly shaded areas. It is a certified wildlife protection area, making a home for many species of birds, including a family of Marsh Hawks. The sloping backyard, gently cleared to make room for hydrangeas, camellias and boxwoods, allows rainwater to flow undisturbed through the back of the property and supports local wildlife. Many plantings have caused the owner to call it a “wonder” garden; “I wonder why we planted in that spot.” The perennial border along the house and unusual small trees tucked in along the stone pathway will surprise you, and the garden barnyard animal art additions will make you smile.
The Strawn Garden
1037 Muirfield Drive, Marietta 30068
Located in Indian Hills County Club, this landscape maximizes a cul-de-sac lot with a design that promotes year-round interest. An English Cottage garden path utilizes a variety of perennials, annuals, and bulbs that work in the South. The garden attracts bluebirds, hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Various roses, including a climbing rose that was propagated from the owner’s 103 year old Grandmother’s rose, line the terrace and are strategically placed throughout the garden. Members of the MGVOCC Rose Warriors will be available to answer your rose-related questions at this location. Still in the planning stage is phase two, which are areas dealing with deep shade and sloping terrain. Landscape Designs for phase two will be available to view.
Fair Oaks Elementary School
407 Barber Road, Marietta 30060
Teaching children about gardening is a hot topic! The Fair Oaks Garden was created in the fall of 2008 and features an herb garden, vegetable garden, and a berry patch. Rain barrels were installed around the shed to collect rain water for the vegetables and flowers. Led by teacher master gardeners, the school hosts a garden club for the children that meets after school every week.
Crossroads Community Garden at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church
2663 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta 30062
Parking and main entrance are on Post Oak Tritt Road
Families grow produce and learn organic methods in this community garden that is home to 59 leased beds. Twelve beds are focused solely on growing food for the Feed the Hungry Food Pantry, and five additional plots support other produce such as asparagus, herbs and additional vegetables. Being a part of a community garden is a great family activity filled with exercise and fresh air!
Jean and Elwood Wright Environmental Education Center
2663 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta 30062
Parking and main entrance are on Post Oak Tritt Road.
This property belonged to the Wright family since the mid 1940’s. Mrs. Wright was very deliberate in adding plants to the property that would attract pollinators as well as birds and wildlife. Environmental education classes are taught by our Cobb County P.A.R.K.S. and Recreation Department to schools, scouts and other groups. The trail system meanders through the entire 19-acre property passing through old growth and new growth. Many plants native to Georgia thrive in the park. This property is not open for general public access so take advantage of this opportunity to see this oasis in the middle of East Cobb County.
The mission of the Master Gardeners of Cobb County is to advance the horticultural education of its members and to promote the knowledge, interest, appreciation, and enjoyment of gardening and to extend this knowledge and enjoyment to the members and the public. To learn more about Master Gardeners, their projects, read their garden articles, and find out how to become a Master Gardener, please visit their
website: www.cobbmastergardeners.org.
Reprinted from EAST COBBER’s April 2016 issue
