Symphony garden tour set to bloom
The success of the Butler County Symphony Association Garden Tour led the organization to bring it back this year.
Six gardens will be featured on the tour, which ranges from Butler to Sarver.
Sidney and Ron Raymond of Buffalo Township will open up their garden to the public.
Winding pathways lead past a rustic shed, a cute little chicken house and a pocket-sized koi pond.
The pond has its own cozy deck to sit and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day and watch the fish, dragonflies and a frog or two. The rear of the property provides a lovely view of a small run.
“Our small pond and deck, was built by (my) sister and me,” said Sidney.
The Raymonds moved to their home 34 years ago, and their lawn was in much demand for games by their sons. Once they became empty nesters, she began gardening in earnest.
“My mother gardened, often in very inhospitable situations, and it's likely I absorbed from her the joys of bringing in fresh cauliflower, fragrant roses, chives or raspberries. Here, there's not enough sun for most vegetables, but we do have rhubarb and some herbs,” she said of her early introduction to gardening.
Family and friends have contributed to the bounty.
“Friends' offerings of kerria, oak-leaf hydrangea, Sweet William, lilac, bergenia, lamium archangel, hellebores, mimosa, primula, iris, St. John's Wort, miniature hosta, and many others remind us of the vital place of friends in our lives. This is a garden without a master plan, one to be enjoyed rather than admired,” Sidney explained.
Larry Sassone and Terry Steighner's backyard haven in Butler Township is not to be missed. The entrance is through a back gate and features a plethora of plants, flowers and ground cover and a water garden with fish and plants. A lovely little artist's studio is tucked in the garden.
“The backyard wouldn't be complete unless we included our feathered and furry friends stopping by to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink on a balmy summer day. By providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young, we fashioned a sanctuary for our special friends,” Sassone said.
Their garden has been an ongoing project for the last 13 years.
“When designing our garden and landscape we wanted to create an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed with family and friends,” he said.
Their contribution to wildlife means their garden has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat.
“If I had to pick the one person that instilled in me the passion for gardening, it would have to be my grandfather. I can remember him with a watering can in one hand and me in the other,” said Sassone about his training and inspiration for gardening.“He showed me that weeding and cultivating are just as important as planting and watering if you want a healthy and vibrant flower bed or vegetable garden,” Sassone said.Sassone's grandfather took great pride in his garden, and his grandson is reaping the benefits of his tutelage.“I can say that the most heartwarming gift my grandfather ever bestowed on me are the memories and time we spent together in the garden. I am honored to be asked by the Butler County Symphony to be a part of their garden tour for 2013,” said Sassone.Garden tour stops at other homes feature rock waterfalls, a collection of 40 different types of hosta and a rhododendron grove.Proceeds will help with symphony operating expenses.A free reception will be held on the day of the garden tour at the Meridian Station gift shop and confectionery. Light refreshments of cookies and cold drinks will be available.<B>IF YOU'RE GOING</B>WHAT: Butler County Symphony Association's second annual garden tourWHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SaturdayWHERE: Six gardens with locations noted on ticketTICKETS: $15 presale at the symphony office, 259 S. Main Street (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.); Meridian Station, 298 Meridian Road; Smith's The Main Street Florist, 136 N. Main St. $20 on the day of the tourINFO: Call the symphony office at 724-283-1402
