Five houses featured on annual Marion Garden Club tour
Five homes and the Williamson County Fairgrounds fragrant flower beds and memorial garden will be featured on this year's Marion Garden Club tour, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10.
The fairgrounds beds and garden has been planted and maintained by garden club members. Also at the fairgrounds will be displays about Mason bees, roses and "Summer Fun: Visit, Learn, Grow", along with plants for sale.
Tickets to the tour are $5 again this year and will include a map to each home, a description, and a coupon for a free Minute Maid Slushie from McDonald's on Court Street. Be sure to enjoy the beautifully planted beds at McDonald's while there.
Money raised will help with community projects that the club supports, as well as its annual scholarship.
Tickets can be purchased from club members, at Ectetera on DeYoung Street, at Plantscape in Herrin or at the fairgrounds on Fair Street the day of the tour.
Your stops:<br />The home of Mickey and Rita Hindman, 9915 Old Bainbridge Trail, has a shady landscape to enjoy. You have probably passed this location many times and not realized what a treasure there is here. Rita is a longtime member of Marion Garden Club and has been collecting many unusual plants for some time. She has a number of hidden ornaments throughout the property.
George Clark, 602 Saluki Drive, has created a backyard retreat. A pool with tropical plants catches your attention. Wander the sandy beach or sit a while in the gazebo and just take in the view of the lake. Don't forget to take a tour inside George's Margaritaville Tiki Bar.
Jim and Leah Covey, 1818 Paula Lane, have a beautiful backyard oasis that provides food, water and shelter for wildlife. Jim has made such good use of his space with flower beds throughout. A small Koi pond is right outside his door to enjoy on those cool evenings.
Gary and Margaret Dunaway, 1510 W. Malden St., has the garden of a true plant lover, featuring a water pool with surrounding perennials. There is a shady patio in which to enjoy the manicured landscaping sprinkled throughout with garden treasures. Margaret is also a longtime member of Marion Garden Club.
George and Joy Sheppard, 519 Morningside Drive, are part of the Park Villa Housing Association. The landscape makes you feel right at home, with a beautiful side yard running along the creek to the backyard space. Each villa has its own area to enjoy with private patios and a tree-filled yard area to plant and play in.
The five gardens can be viewed in any order that guests decide upon in this self-guided tour. Directional sign will help you find each home, which will have hosts available to answer questions.
Marion Garden Club was organized in 1984 and has been active in community events and planting in public locations for the past years. The group meets each month, with an interesting program or field trip planned, and welcomes new members. The local club federated with Garden Clubs of Illinois in 1984.