Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Hilary Douwes, Office of Special Events, 301-228-2846
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2005

GARDENS NAMED FOR SPRING GARDEN TOUR

The 2005 “Beyond the Garden Gates” Garden Tour features six of Frederick’s finest private gardens, and two spectacular public gardens, and is sure to inspire your green thumb! The tour will be held in downtown Frederick on Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd, from 1 to 5 p.m., rain or shine.
The event will appeal to everyone, from the novice gardener to the seasoned pro. This year’s tour includes several varieties of gardens, from those covered in shade to those abounding in color, to those that are incredibly low maintenance. You can even learn how to plant a “green”, or environmentally friendly landscape.
The gardens for this year’s tour follow:
Historical Society Heritage Garden
24 East Church Street
This garden draws upon a unique ambience and historical setting to create an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Frederick. Featuring elegant period flower gardens bordered by a handsome brick path, a large open grassy area, stately trellised arbor and a new catering shed, the garden doubles as a community-gathering place and outdoor classroom. This year’s theme for the demonstration garden is “From Fig Leaf to Blue Jeans: Plants for our Clothes.” Flax, cotton, indigo and other plants used in the production of cloth will be showcased.

The Garden of Betsy & Bob Fisher
309 Upper College Terrace
Push open the gate to this garden and enter a wonderland of color. Dubbed a “friendship garden” by the owners, visitors will find a variety of plants given to the homeowners by family and friends. Coral bell, Lenten rose, Japanese iris, fall anemone, crape myrtle and day lilies are among the gifts that have been incorporated into this lovely space. A fishpond to the right of the garden entrance provides whimsy and charm. Shade is abundant in this large lawn, with two English walnut trees and a number of dogwoods dotting the property.

The Garden of Dana McCormick & Scott Mercer
220 Lindbergh Avenue
The heart of this peaceful garden is the cement pond that dominates the space. Buried for several years, the current owners learned of the pond and had it uncovered and restored. Garden lights have been installed to highlight the lush lawn and pond, providing an inviting atmosphere on summer evenings. A raised brick patio overlooks the lawn and offers a lovely spot to unwind and listen to the soothing sounds of the pond’s running water.

Schifferstadt Heritage Garden
1110 Rosemont Avenue
Step back to the 18th century in this heirloom garden highlighting traditional vegetation and herbs used by German settlers. Beautifully raised flowerbeds and local stone paths add to the nostalgic charm of this space. Take note of the many varieties of roses throughout the garden, including the Maiden Blush, Burgundian Rose and Apothecary Rose. The garden and attached museum host educational tours on composting, herbal remedies and culinary history throughout the year.

The Garden of Neil & Kathy Lamb
140 Kline Boulevard
This backyard haven offers its owners yearlong enjoyment. The flagstone patio shaded by mature hollies provides relief from the dog days of summer, while the hot tub on the deck is a favorite spot in winter for bird watching and relaxation. A coral bark maple graces the front of the home, with ostrich ferns, pink camellia and PJM rhododendrons spanning the side of the property. Espaliered Jonathan and Mt. Fuji apple trees thrive in the vegetable garden, and add to the functional beauty of this space.

The Garden of Nancy & Cap Cline
22 Kline Boulevard
Certified as a “Bay-Wise” Landscape Demonstration Garden by the Cooperative Extension Office of the University of Maryland, this garden demonstrates environmentally sound ways to create a peaceful and beautiful space. Boasting a cottage style perennial border, the plantings in this garden focus on drought resistant varieties. The brick patio incorporates old brick from downtown Frederick streets. One corner of the property houses a water garden. A calming waterfall in the pond adds to the restful atmosphere of the space. Visitors should take note of the Butterfly Garden that is in the process of being planted by Wildlife Gardening Adventures. The mature boxwoods surrounding this area will serve to further enhance this nature-friendly garden. Master gardeners will be available during the tour to explain the “Bay-Wise” program and to give suggestions on creating a more environmentally friendly garden.

The Garden of Eileen & Neil Spangler
14 Kline Boulevard
Color abounds throughout the season in this comfortable garden designed for family gatherings and relaxation. Upon entering through the large, open arbor situated on the right side of the home, visitors will find a wisteria-covered deck next to a raised flowerbed containing herbs, clematis, perennials and annuals. Accenting the space throughout are various potted plants, a water fountain, bird feeders and animal statuary. Mature spruce, hemlock and pines border the rear of the garden, providing an ideal location to bird-watch and take advantage of the solitude of the space. For those looking for a low-maintenance, accessible garden, this one will surely give you great ideas for easy care.

The Garden of Richard & Laura Duthoy
12 Kline Boulevard
This secluded garden presents its owners with the challenge of finding colorful and lasting plants that will thrive in the largely shaded yard. This is partly due to the trees that border the length of the yard, adding privacy and intimacy to this pie-shaped garden. A hand-made fishpond adds a touch of tranquility, and serves as one of the owners’ favorites spots to relax after a long day. The back corner of the yard is home to a filbert tree, often dubbed the walking stick, where it is able to enjoy the benefits of the setting sun.
As you’re wandering through each garden, take a minute to watch the local artists who will be creating their own vision of the space.

Tickets for the tour, which is held rain or shine, cost $12 per person and are available at the following locations:
The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 South Carroll Street, 301-698-0656
Earthworks, 1460B W. Patrick St. and 221 N. East Street, 301-663-8199
Flights of Fancy, 20 East Street, 301-663-9295
The Grapevine, 117 East Patrick Street, 301-663-3920
The Schifferstadt Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., 301-663-3885
Tourism Council of Frederick County Inc, 19 East Church Street, 301-228-2888

Since all of the gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners or business owners, proper garden tour etiquette is requested. This includes remaining on paths or
following directions through the gardens as indicated by the hosts. In addition, please refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes or pushing strollers in grassy areas. This will help to preserve the beauty of the gardens that the owners have worked so diligently to provide for the tour. Parents are asked to prevent children from picking flowers.

The 2005 Garden Tour Committee of Celebrate Frederick and The Garden Club of Frederick organized this year’s tour. This event would not be possible without the generous financial contributions made by the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors - Bechtel Foundation, Cellular One, Chase Credit Card Services, Drees Homes, Sandy Spring Bank, and Weis Markets; Silver Sponsors - Adelphia, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Farmers & Mechanics Bank, The Frederick News-Post and Spectrum Federal Credit Union: Bronze Sponsors - BB&T, CitiMortgage and Frederick Arts Council.
For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-228-2844