Unique Vision
Gardener Tonie Gruver creates beauty from childhood memories of primrose fields in Holland and freshly picked berries.
Gruver will be one of six gardeners featured in this year's Southern Butler County Garden Club Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11.
“Whether you're a serious gardener or just want to spend a day with a friend, it's for everyone,” said Gina Bianchi, founder of the tour.
The self-guided tour begins at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, where attendees will receive a description of the gardens, directions, goody bags and a chance to win raffle baskets. Homeowners and docents will be at each home to answer questions.
Tickets are available for $15 and will be available by presale only. Proceeds will benefit the garden club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the community's natural beauty.
Past donation recipients include Graham Park, the Cranberry Township Municipal Center garden, libraries in Mars and Zelienople, and the Therapeutic Horticultural Program at Glade Run Lutheran Services.
“We try to hit the local gardening community and we try to keep it local,” Bianchi said.
She said that the main goal of the club is to give back to the community and bring friends together.
“I think gardening, for people, is a hidden secret,” said Rose Romboski, garden tour co-chair.
She said she loves to see the way people create a unique vision with their gardens.
For Gruver, that vision is built upon her Dutch gardening heritage.
“My parents and grandparents had big flower gardens,” she said.
She is now passing the tradition of garden memories on to her own grandchildren.
She calls her garden “The Jungle” because of the wildlife it attracts.
Her grandchildren enjoyed the wildlife when they found a small snake in her pond. She said they went out together one night and shined a flashlight into the water. The snake raised its black head as her grandchildren screamed and leaped onto her lap.
“They said, ‘That was cool!'” she said.
Another garden, “BirdHaven,” was created by Norma Rees of New Brighton, and features the “Labyrinth,” and the “Secret Pond.” Rees chose plants that offer food and shelter for birds.
Another garden, owned by Rob and Cathy Preuhs, was officially certified as a wildlife sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation. Their sanctuary is home to birds, a black bear, foxes and coyotes.
“The personalities come out through their gardens,” Bianchi said. “They're all different.”
<B>What: </B>Southern Butler County Garden Club Tour<B>When: </B>10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 11<B>Where: </B>Begins at Cranberry Township Municipal Center where directions will be provided.<B>Tickets: </B>Cost $15 and only can be purchased in advance by contacting Debbie McFarland, 114 Hampshire Dr., Cranberry Township PA 16066. Make checks payable to the Southern Butler County Garden Club and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
