Contributed by Lee County Master Gardeners
The Lee County Master Gardeners Association proudly presents Spring Stroll – a garden tour featuring 10 private gardens in Auburn and Opelika. The tour will take place on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The gardens on this year’s tour offer a variety of sizes and styles of gardening. There are gardens at Victorian homes and mid-century homes. Visitors will see colorful cottage gardens and serene shade gardens. Several of the gardens are designed to expand their homeowner’s living space by adding outside entertainment areas.
Legacy Garden on 3rd Ave. in Opelika will be open to tour goers. This beautiful garden has sheltered three generations of the same family. When Robert and Lela Lofton returned to Opelika eight years ago, they moved into the home Lela had lived in as a child. Her mother had lived there and her grandparents had also lived at the house and tended the lovely sweetheart roses and Dr. W. Van Fleet climbing roses. Colorful borders filled with daffodils, azaleas and other traditional plantings brought back childhood memories.
The Loftons have added their touch of whimsy and joy. Colorful container gardens are nestled among foundation plantings. A patio was added off the kitchen is a wonderful place for a morning cup of coffee. Japanese Maples add year-round interest to the garden retreat and a comfortable swing is the perfect spot for an afternoon visit.
Tickets are $30 and may be ordered by going to leemg.org , the Lee County Master Gardeners’ web site, Detailed tour information can be found there. Tour goers who prefer to pay by check may print an order form from the web site or pick up an order form at the Lee County Extension Office in Opelika, Wild Birds Unlimited, University Ace Hardware, The Potting Shed, and The Flower Store in Auburn. Last day for mail order tickets is May 12. The ticket will provide admittance into all 10 gardens and a ticket for a boxed lunch from Chicken Salad Chick on the 15th or 16th.
*Auburn University is excited to open the President’s Home Gardens for touring during the Lee county Master Gardeners’ Garden Tour. No ticket is required to tour the President’s Home Gardens which will be open to the community. Parking attendants will assist with self-parking at the President’s Home.
Master Gardeners go through training so they can assist and support the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. They volunteer their expertise to help and teach others.
All proceeds from this year’s tour will help fund LCMGA’s many projects. LCMGA funds and maintains four Demonstration Gardens in Lee County: Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail in Opelika, the Butterfly Garden at Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Kiesel Demonstration Garden at Kiesel Park and Grandma’s Garden at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka. The association funds scholarships to AU horticulture students, supports the 4-H program, plants trees at local schools and offers grants.
