Garden Tour

There were six gardens to visit on Northfield’s garden tour so I donned a flower dress and took off to enjoy the beauty.

Two gardens were in public places but it was fun to get into the yards of four residents in Northfield. There were artists stationed at each place, which adds to the fun.

The garden is a simple rain water garden. Some of the artist’s works were displayed as he was painting another picture, and visiting with the guests.

The theme this year was water so there were a few water gardens. I learned you can apply for a grant from the city of Northfield to cover up to $250 if you plant a water garden in your yard.

Lillies.

I so enjoy flowers and am amazed at the beauty and uniqueness of each one. I like learning of new plants too.

It was hard to capture the enormity of this flower pot. When I asked for the name the gardener said the official name at the store was, “Big Pink Begonia”. I guess sometimes you just call it what it is! This size begonia was new to me.

Someone asked me if I got inspired while looking at the gardens and I said yes… but then I know it’s too hot this time of year to change my garden so I don’t do anything now.

Another new to me flower: a hanging begonia. The white blooming flowers draped over the pot.

But, I do tuck away ideas for next year…

The blue glass tulip shades from an old lamp was used as garden art mixed in with white hydrangea.

It was fun to see the sculptures people use as gardens art, as well as the visiting artist’s creative works.

White hydrangea with garden art.

The last home I visited on the tour was at the top of a high hill.

It’s hard to see the swing hanging from the tree near the gardens in this yard, but it’s easy to see the expansive view.

A watercolor artist was stationed in the screen porch of the house at this garden, so we could peak into the house to see a bit of it’s loveliness. I noticed dinner plates and crystal goblets on the dining table, gathered for what looked like an upcoming party.

I thought this was clever…two arborvitae woven together at the top to form an arch.

While meandering in the gardens the owner said they were having a garden party that evening since they already had spent a lot of time grooming and weeding and getting their gardens ready for the tour.

Beautiful gardens at this beautiful house on the hill where they were planning a lovely garden party.

They had lights wired in the garden and on the lovely patio with a water fountain. I’m sure it would look awesome at night. I wanted to stick around for the party! 

Look, the winter is past,
    and the rains are over and gone.
12 The flowers are springing up,
    the season of singing birds has come,
    and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Song of Songs 2:11-12

16 thoughts on “Garden Tour”

  1. How wonderful Valerie 🥰
    Thank you for sharing your experience with me. The flowers are so beautiful and I really enjoy seeing the creative and artistic touches. Lori

  3. This post as well as Santa Barbara with all the pictures of gorgeous flowers is fabulous!

  4. Love the Big Pink Begonia… Just did the Michiana Master Gardener Tour here in northern IN. So fun!

  5. I would have loved doing the garden tour but we were up north. Thanks for bringing a little of it to us. We went to Enger park in Duluth and found a beautiful and different iris blooming, purple with white streaks through it. It was amazing

    1. I do like Iris’ and there are so many beautiful colors. I have some yellow…I’d like some purple.
      Duluth is a good place to be!

  6. Several years have passed since I’ve done a garden tour. This summer just did not work. But hopefully next. Either in Faribault or Northfield. I’ve been to both. That last garden in your photo essay is especially inviting and creative. I love, too, the idea of placing artists in the gardens.

    1. I have not toured Faribault gardens. I assume they have an annual event too. I would like to try that sometime.

  7. Sorry I missed this one! Your photos are wonderful – it must have been a joy to see the variety of flowers and the artists are always so interesting to see. Thanks for posting!

    1. Do you have a garden tour in Waseca? I know you like touring gardens also. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

  8. Lordy, that was beautiful! What a fun way to spend an afternoon! Thanks for sharing, Valerie!

Comments are closed.