Published May 27, 2012
GALVESTON — Drought-resistant landscaping, recycled tire gardens and a greenhouse operation will be among the sights of the annual Clean Galveston’s Back Garden Tour next weekend.
Seven locations are featured in the self-guided tour, opening back gates to some of the most beautiful gardens on the island, with homeowners and volunteers on hand to describe the landscape details.
“This is a wonderful benefit for Clean Galveston, such a worthy organization with an enormous mission,” said Kent Brashears, owner of Galveston Gallery, one of the tour stops.
A hidden garden winds along a brick pathway behind the 1890s Victorian house and adjacent Gallery gift shop in the historic Silk Stocking District in Galveston. The garden was, at one time, a shade garden with trees and overgrown Savannah hollies.
But Hurricane Ike and drought reconfigured that landscape.
“We decided we’re in Texas, and there will be drought,” Brashears said.
He brought in river rocks, fountains, colorful native wildflowers, Texas mountain laurel and potted cactus.
In contrast, the Mermaid and Dolphin Resort tour stop features more than 7,000 square feet of lush tropical garden with hibiscus, banana trees and Bird of Paradise. A fountain, gazebo and two fish ponds all are part of the garden design at the bed-and-breakfast inn that often hosts weddings.
Ike and winter freezes spurred major replanting projects, still focused on a tropical landscape.
“The garden is part of the inn and our guests enjoy it,” owner Jeff Reilly said.
Reilly and the staff maintain the garden located at the front and behind the 1866 Greek revival mansion.
The tour stop at the Sunshine Center gardens will include a greenhouse staffed by clients with developmental disabilities. A vegetable garden, herb pallet garden project and recycled tire garden maintained by the center’s scout troop also are featured.
Staff, volunteers and clients will be on hand to discuss the Sunshine Center garden projects. The tour presents an opportunity for gardeners to talk about their work and for visitors to gather ideas for their own homes.
Such conversations will be part of all seven garden locations.
“There’s a wonderful camaraderie,” Brashears said. “People are so interested in gardens; there’s almost a magical friendship that occurs.”
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At A Glance
WHAT: Clean Galveston annual Back Garden Tour at seven locations across the island
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. June 3; rain dates if needed will be the following weekend.
ADMISSION: Tickets are $7 in advance and can be purchased at Speedy’s Printing, Eiband’s, Panama Home, Tom’s Thumb Nursery, Galveston Gallery, West End Gallery Decor or online at www.cleangalveston.org. On the day of the event, tickets are $10 and can also be purchased at the gardens.
INFORMATION: Call 409-762-3363.
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Garden Locations
1417 Sealy
1601 Ball St.
1801 19th St.
1726 21st St., the Sunshine Center
1825 25th St. (Rosenberg), the Galveston Gallery
1103 33rd St. the Mermaid and the Dolphin Resort
4706 Ave. P 1/2
Copyright 2011 The Galveston County Daily News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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