LAKEWOOD ARTS COUNCIL'S: More on the Garden Tour

Garden lovers didn’t let Saturday’s triple digit heat keep them from attending the LAC’s Annual Garden Tour and Luncheon. As a volunteer manning the garden gate (greeting visitors and selling tickets) at the northernmost garden in Arvada, I saw most visitors at the beginning of the tour. These early risers received the benefit of cooler temperatures and good light for photography.

And what a treat for photographers, artists and gardeners! Bonnie and Glenn Thompson’s garden at 14336 W. 69^th Dr. offered a fish pond with blooming pink water lilies and other aquatic plants,

an apple tree loaded with fruit, blackberries hanging on the vine,

and vividly colored daylilies bursting out amongst other blossoms in well manicured flower beds.

Bonnie’s bronze sculptures of playful children added a touch of whimsy throughout.

(photo by Kate Cissell)

After another volunteer relieved me of my duties, I was able to visit Cici Kesler’s four-acre property with pond in Applewood.

Not having visited this part of the city before, I was amazed at the amount of farmland and open space near this area of Arvada and Applewood. The Kesler’s property (currently for sale) included a pond promenade encircled with crabapple trees, current bushes, holly with dusty blue berries, and beautiful views across the water.

Below the house was a greenhouse full of vegetable plants and graced with a flourishing grapevine in front.

I had time for one more stop before grabbing a bite to eat at the LAC Gallery’s picnic lunch.

The garden at 28 Morningside, accessed through a honeysuckle entwined arbor and tended by the Cookes, boasted artfully arranged flower beds, highlighting rustic antique implements, garden tools, even an old dirt cart from Mt. Olivet cemetery abundant with lavender.

A seating area at the top of the garden allowed for beautiful views of the foothills. A nearby rosebush with pink, yellow and peach blossoms was stunning.

Tom Cooke attributed its variety of colors to the dried banana peels they dig into the dirt. When queried about how they can keep the garden so beautiful, he jokingly answered, “I just buy my wife kneepads”.

After experiencing such a peaceful respite among the foliage, finding inspiration for new paintings and meeting so many delightful people on the garden tour I didn’t mind so much missing the luncheon at the gallery. Somehow time flew and it was now 2:00 pm – time to head home. But by the looks of Charlie Casper’s photos -- everyone who made it back to the gallery enjoyed a wonderful lunch, and hopefully had a chance to view the "Floral Bouquets" and "From the Earth" exhibits upstairs.

Organizing a garden tour such as this required a lot of planning and volunteer hours I’m sure, and the generosity of the homeowners to open their yards to the public. I’m thankful it was another successful event and fundraiser for the LAC and hope next time to make it to all the gardens, and lunch!