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Club tour features glories of the garden

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 7, 2009

DADE CITY - A huge estate garden and garden of hybrid tea roses are among highlights of Dade City Garden Club's Fourth Annual Fall Garden Tour and Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

This self-guided tour will treat visitors to the sights of five private Dade City and Lake Jovita gardens, as well as more than two acres of club grounds with seven garden rooms.

"Among the five private gardens on the tour, two are located on Church Avenue," said Sally Redden, past president of the club's Hollyhock Circle, chairwoman for news media, and chairwoman of the club's Vision Project to renovate its building and grounds.

"They have landscaping appropriate to their historic settings, beautiful poolside landscaping, with a bonus of interesting containers and seasonal decor," Redden said.

Diversity is another key of the tour, she said.

"The three gardens located in nearby Lake Jovita have a variety of styles," she said. "One has year-round color provided by a variety of perennials; the owner's farming heritage is reflected in her lush garden. The next boasts a spectacular hybrid tea rose garden; the owner will be sharing his secrets for success with tour guests. The last garden is a huge estate garden with rolling vistas and wonderful hardscape."

The tour also has an educational component.

"There will be yard art for sale, gardening information, and artist demonstrations in select gardens," Redden said.

The educational facet is meant to inspire homeowners aiming to revitalize and beautify their land.

"We may not all want to spend hours in our garden; but you can reproduce a small bed or corner design and really rejuvenate your space, much like repainting a wall or moving your furniture," said Pennie Jefferson, garden tour chairwoman, president of the club's Hibiscus Circle and grounds committee chairwoman.

"Visitors are encouraged to speak to the owners and understand that they may have moved plants two or three times to find the right spot," Jefferson said. "Homeowners need the courage to experiment."

Information will be offered during the plant sale at Dade City Garden Club's building, 13630 Fifth St.

"We plan an exhibit on stresses to our water supply and recycling," Jefferson said.

Hundreds of plants will be on sale and refreshments will be available.

"The plants vary from native to plants commonly grown in this area. Almost all plants have been propagated by our members from cuttings taken from plants grown in their yards which means there is a wide variety and some unusual plants that you might not find in nurseries," Redden said.

The sale and tour are fundraisers for the club and its Vision Project to renovate and restore its historic grounds and building, the old St. Rita's Catholic Church built in 1913 and relocated to the garden club grounds in 1976.

GARDEN TOUR AND SALE

SOME BACKGROUND: The Dade City Garden Club will host its Fourth Annual Fall Garden Show and Plant Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. The tour features five private Dade City and Lake Jovita gardens; the sale features hundreds of plants.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Both the tour and the sale will offer informational sessions about various aspects of gardening and the environment.

Proceeds will benefit the Dade City Garden Club's Vision Project, an effort to renovate and restore the club's historic building and grounds, used for both club and community events.

A LITTLE HISTORY: According to club news media representative Sally Redden, the Dade City Garden Club was established more than 60 years ago to further the education of the members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, landscape design, floral design, and environmental awareness through the conservation of natural resources. In addition it is to encourage civic and roadside beautification; to plant trees, wildflowers and shrubs to protect birds and butterflies; to work toward creating and maintaining a Garden Center and gardens that will be a special asset to Dade City; and teach youth to love gardening and to respect and protect the environment.

WHAT'S NEXT?: The tour will kick off 10 a.m. at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St. Light refreshments will be served at the club and along the tour.

GET INVOLVED: Admission for the tour is $10 for adults, children are free. Tickets are available today at the club building.

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