GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR

GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR

Celebrate Frederick’s 2009 Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour features seven of Frederick’s finest private gardens, and three spectacular public gardens, and is sure to inspire your green thumb! The tour will be held in Frederick, Maryland on Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th, 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 showcases a variety of gardening styles, from Old World charm and formal elegance, to English-infused beauty.

The gardens for this year’s tour follow:

The Garden of Randy & Amy Draper - 11 N. Jefferson Street

The front yard of this home is a welcoming mix of boxwood, hydrangea, roses, nandina, mixed perennials and annuals. Now, travel to the back of the house to witness what the owners describe as a series of “outdoor rooms.” The dining area is located between the house and the cottage - which serves as the pool house and family room. The grass pathway is lined with Foster holly trees, European Hornbeans, Boxwoods, Otto Luyken Laurel, perennials and annuals leading to the pergola covered patio. The patio area, overlooking the pool and formal garden, is framed by Stewartia, Japanese Snowbell, Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia trees. The pool concludes the space with a set of lawn steps leading into a small grass lawn and a Williamsburg style shed.

The Garden of Brian & Suzanne Dylus - 701 Rosemont Avenue

Would you have guessed this garden was once waist-high in brambles, shrub trees and weeds? Originally turned into a pumpkin patch for the homeowner’s small children, the garden was gradually streamlined into ten planting beds and paths, a border of hemlock trees and a slate sitting area. Still casual and family oriented, the homeowners’ tend to live out on the patio in the spring, summer, and fall. The raised beds now hold roses and a fruitful vegetable and herb garden, supplying beauty and function in this large space. This garden has been lovingly cared for by the homeowners, who insist that they wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Garden of Peter Brehm & John Day - 318 W. College Terrace

Nestled in the Sylvan College Park neighborhood designed in the early 1900s by noted American landscape architect George Burnap, 318 West College Terrace is divided into a front yard space and backyard space, connected on the west side by a shady walk that culminates at a rose-covered gateway arch. The prior owners installed the garden's “bones” and mature trees about 10 years ago. In the last two years the new owners have built on this by expanding the front and rear flower beds and adding numerous trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. A casual, colorful and carefree perennial garden accented by bushes and trees are in line with the goal of creating an additional “room” to the house by fostering a garden with all-year interest. Make sure to take note of the Franklinia to the right of the patio looking out from the house. First identified by noted horticulturalist John Bartram, and named after his good friend Benjamin Franklin, on a trip to the Altamaha River in Georgia. The tree is now extinct in the wild since 1803.

The Garden of John & Deborah Rooney - 310 W. College Terrace

A family friendly surprise awaits visitors behind the gates of this home. Within this unexpected, usable space is a large patio overlooking the garden and swimming pool. This garden is used as an extension of the homeowners’ living space, and has hosted guests for weddings, showers, birthdays, book clubs and intimate dinner parties. The homeowners also enjoy sitting on their patio and watching the sky light up with fireworks from Baker Park every Independence Day with family & friends. Please note the two unique fountains - an antique iron arched window insert attached to the owners’ home located near the herb pots, and the brand new Dutchman fountain on the left hand side of the yard. The right hand side of the backyard is complimented by the family’s first Christmas tree.

The Garden of Jim & Yvonne Reinsch - 406 Rockwell Terrace

The garden’s design takes its cue from the strong lines of the home's American Foursquare style architecture, reinforcing its classic style. During the renovation of the home 5 years ago, much care was taken to preserve the beautiful 100 year old Pin Oak tree. The terrace, flagstone walkways and plantings were designed around this anchor. The homeowners’ desire to have a carefree and low maintenance, yet sophisticated, garden with year-round interest has been achieved by the choice of plants that adapt well to our climate. It was a goal when designing the garden to create a space that would combine the interior of the home with the oversized front porch and the back terrace. The large hydrangeas that hug the front porch wall, as well at the walkway, give the outdoor space life and continuity.

The Garden of Lea Kline Allen - 152 W. Patrick Street

Casual and whimsical are the adjectives this homeowner uses to describe her garden. A designer of architectural landscapes, the homeowner uses this space to play in and blur the lines of structure. The garden itself is especially unique in that it is sunken below street level on all sides. The house rises to the front with a double wrap around sleeping porch and studio space. The pond in the courtyard, home to frogs, snails and guppies, helps to drown out traffic noises whenever the weather permits. The unusual plants, featuring unique textures and combinations, paired with the continuously changing wildlife in the pond transform this garden into a playground for nature and the homeowner.

The Garden of Tee Michel – 114 W. 2nd Street

This secluded formal garden is located among the original early 19th century outbuildings – a rarity in Maryland townhouse architecture. These outbuildings include stables, slave quarters, an ice and smoke house. Tour participants will get a peak into the Coachman’s House, which is now utilized as a garden room for the current owner. The gardens spacious pathways are made of large blocks of flagstone and schist. The center of the garden is highlighted with Queen Elizabeth and Peace roses. The pink and white dogwood and magnolias offer a burst of spring color. The herb and flower bed circles a water fountain which provides refreshment to the many feathered friends of the garden which live there year round.

18th Century Historical Garden of Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and Garden - 1110 Rosemont Avenue

Step back to the 18th Century in this heirloom garden highlighting traditional herbal plants and vegetables used by German settlers. Beautifully raised flowerbeds and local stone paths add to the nostalgic charm of this space. Take note of the many popular kitchen herbs throughout the garden, including Sweet Woodruff, yarrow, lamb’s ear and hyssop. In addition, Schifferstadt also boasts an orchard containing apple, pear, peach, cherry, quince and walnut trees. The garden and attached museum host educational tours on aspects of local history throughout the year. This garden is cared for by Christina Murphy, Head Gardener. Stop in for light refreshments as this is the Hospitality Center.

Heritage Garden of the Historical Society of Frederick County - 24 E. Church Street

This garden draws upon a unique ambience and historical setting to create an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Frederick. The history of Frederick has been witnessed by the magnificent Ash tree, located in the center of the garden, which is well over 100 years old. Featuring elegant period flower gardens bordered by a handsome brick path, a large open grassy area, stately trellised arbor and catering shed, the garden doubles as a community-gathering place and outdoor classroom. Behind the white picket fence is the Historical Society of Frederick County’s “Demonstration Garden.” This year’s theme for the demonstration garden is “Destination Plants” to complement the exhibit In and Out of Frederick County which opens June 12, 2009. The exhibit examines travel and tourism to and from Frederick County from the 1700’s through to modern times. The garden will feature plants whose names refer to a famous journey or destination.

The Market Street Garden and The Director’s Rose Garden of the Federated Charities of Frederick 22 S. Market Street

Two distinctive gardens can be found at this location, one an original “postage stamp” style garden and the other a secluded niche tucked behind the building. The Market Street Garden, situated along the side of the building, is reminiscent of the Greek revival style of the residence itself. Visitors will be welcomed by the original Wickersham wrought iron fencing and gates surrounding this space. The Director’s Rose Garden can be found in the rear of the building. Both gardens are dominated by roses. The Market Street Garden is further enhanced by a host of perennials and annuals, including hostas, English ivy and Prairie Mallow plants. Matt Shelton of Innovative Landscapes graciously donates his talents to help maintain these gardens.

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 $15 per person and are available May 1st at the following locations:

* City Magnolia Day Spa - 8927C Fingerboard Road
* Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center - 40 S. Carroll Street
* Flights of Fancy - 20 N. East Street
* The Grapevine - 117 E. Patrick Street
* Home Essential of Frederick - 38 E. Patrick Street
* The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum - 1110 Rosemont Avenue
* The Tourism Council of Frederick County - 19 E. Church Street



As 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 2009 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:

* Spires Sponsors – Bechtel Group Foundation, Spectrum Federal Credit Union and Weis Markets
* Carillon Sponsors –Comcast, Roy Rogers - A Plamondon Company, Sandy Spring Bank, 99.9 WFRE and 930 WFMD
* Bandshell Sponsors – BB&T, The Frederick News-Post and NBC25
* Program Sponsor –Renewal by Andersen



For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at
301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

###