Inspiration can be found in the backyards of Columbia. The Art in the Gardens tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, and will feature seven gardens.
"This is the third year we're doing this under the direction of Create Columbia," said Kathy Hohenadel, adding that Create Columbia is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the town and art. "We have a mixture of new and returning gardens on the tour. We like to pick gardens that are all a little different from one another to give the tour a nice variety."
Some of the gardens have water features, some focus on backyard entertaining and others pack a powerful punch in a small space. "This year, we have the garden of Kelsey Frey, who is a naturalist, and her garden reflects that," Hohenadel stated. The garden of Justin and Jennifer Albright features fruit trees, a raised bed and a water feature, while the garden of Bob and Cindy Nikolaus is full of colorful perennials and primitives. The garden of Paul and Roseann Nikolaus mixes trees, shrubs and hardscape and also includes a raised bed victory garden. At the garden of Dave and Vivian Rupp, ornamental trees and perennials complement a goldfish pond. Doris Weisser's garden includes a pool and pavilion with a working fireplace, while the garden of Joe and Deb Weisser features a pond and colorful plantings. Each garden will host an artist on site, who will create art en plein air during the tour.
Programs for the garden tour will include a map and will be available for purchase by cash or check in the Locust Street Park gazebo from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the tour. Live music will be performed in the park, located at Locust and Fifth streets, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and photography by John Reitzel will be featured in the park as well. Demonstrations on flower arranging and bow making will be held on the terrace of the Columbia Public Library, which borders the park.
"We'll also have, while supplies last, a variety of different plants from current or previous garden hosts available for purchase in the park," Hohenadel said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Create Columbia and will go toward beautification projects in the town.
Hohenadel noted that the garden tour provides a chance to explore some little-seen areas of Columbia. "This is an opportunity to get into people's backyards and see some hidden gems," she remarked. "The art and music are added draws. We encourage people when they visit a garden to stop and talk to the artist and watch the artist at work. ... It's just an informal way to enjoy art and to enjoy the beauty of Columbia."
For more information on Art in the Gardens, search for "Create Columbia" on Facebook. The event will be held rain or shine.
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