Tis the Season!

April showers bring May flowers and May brings the season of garden tours!  Each year I look forward to touring other people’s gardens.  I love being inspired by what designers have done to bring a space alive and to make it work for the homeowner’s needs.  This year was no different.  The first garden tour I attended was the Shipley Secret Gardens tour with alum and friend Marie.  Grand estates and seldom seen gardens located in Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Villanova, Pennsylvania revealed their treasures to us. 

Landscaping used to provide a screen and soften the hard edges of the pool area

A tiered garden with vertical accents and contrasting colors and textures

The Appleford Estate with a serene pond and island of lush foliage

A white garden - including the chair!

A whimsical garden ornament

A valance of clematis
 
An inviting path from the pool
 
Beautiful containers

I have provided you with a sampling of the amazing venues we saw.  Clearly, the first tour was  inspiring, but I wanted more.  The next weekend I attended the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) members' tour which took place in Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware.  Each of the 8 gardens expressed a unique personality and welcomed visitors to enjoy and explore. 



Wayne Guymon's 10 acre garden paradise
 
Wayne's primary pond flanked with perennials
 
An iron crow stands guard at a farm house
 
An intricate garden gate
 
A river of iris leads your eye to the birdhouse
 
Repeating rhododendron
 
A tree stump planter
 
A miniature garden
 
A garden fairy
 
A rare pink lady slipper
 

An Asian inspired garden
 
I certainly hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour.  Let me know your thoughts and your favorites.  Remember, tis the season, so go outside and enjoy!













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