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REDLANDS - The annual Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society's Garden Tour is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28.
The six gardens will feature drought tolerant designs, koi ponds, yard art, low water pollinators, vegetable gardens, a Mediterranean private resort setting, a cottage with vintage roses and custom bird houses, an original avocado-orange-tree ranch with 30 feet of roses, and exceptional San Bernardino Mountains views.
Each year, the garden club selects a "beginning" gathering site where tickets and maps are available, many garden-opportunity baskets, and related organizations’ booths. This year's site is The Grove School at 1775 Orange Ave., Redlands. Originally the Old Barton Schoolhouse, the oldest standing school structure in Redlands, was moved several blocks in 2008 to what became the Heritage Park area. Through an extensive restoration project, the school was opened to the community and The Grove School use in 2017.
This year's gardens include: Bob and Cindy Ellis on Kendall Avenue; Brian and Sharon Kilpatrick on Nottingham Drive; Jeff Denning and Patty Mariano on South Buena Vista Avenue; George Nash on East Pioneer Avenue; Roger and Donna Hadley on Marvin Street at Ford; and Frank and Marilyn Sizemore on Campbell Avenue.
The six gardens will feature drought tolerant designs, koi ponds, yard art, low water pollinators, vegetable gardens, a Mediterranean private resort setting, a cottage with vintage roses and custom bird houses, an original avocado-orange-tree ranch with 30 feet of roses, and exceptional San Bernardino Mountains views.
Each year, the garden club selects a "beginning" gathering site where tickets and maps are available, many garden-opportunity baskets, and related organizations’ booths. This year's site is The Grove School at 1775 Orange Ave., Redlands. Originally the Old Barton Schoolhouse, the oldest standing school structure in Redlands, was moved several blocks in 2008 to what became the Heritage Park area. Through an extensive restoration project, the school was opened to the community and The Grove School use in 2017.
This year's gardens include: Bob and Cindy Ellis on Kendall Avenue; Brian and Sharon Kilpatrick on Nottingham Drive; Jeff Denning and Patty Mariano on South Buena Vista Avenue; George Nash on East Pioneer Avenue; Roger and Donna Hadley on Marvin Street at Ford; and Frank and Marilyn Sizemore on Campbell Avenue.
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Roger and Donna Hadley built their custom French-inspired home in 1986 on a hill surrounded by four acres. The house was positioned to take advantage of the incredible view of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains including San Gorgonio. The landscaping over the years has evolved from thirsty white alders and vinca ground cover facing the western sun to collaborating with master gardener, Marc Chacon of Riverside, and transforming the entrance to strolling paths of brick and rock-lined decomposed granite paths that meander through the front slopes amongst stone fruit trees (plums, apricots, and pluots) and peach and apple espaliers that grace the driveway. Nestled in this idyllic setting that is highlighted with splashes of California poppies, sweet peas, delphiniums and a row of foxgloves, is a charming patio complete with a bistro table and chairs. The backyard, once composed mainly of lawn, has been converted to a pétanque court surrounded by pea gravel. Roses, a fountain, and a display of annual colors continue the French charm of this residence. .
Brian and Sharon Kilpatrick have lived in their home for over 30 years. They have gradually created an eco friendly environment for bees, birds, butterflies and even lizards. There are bird feeders, bird baths, and birdhouses to entice nature to both the front and backyard. The front yard consists of a drought tolerant parkway with plants that attract bees, butterflies and birds, dry riverbeds and a "unique ant display" enjoyed by neighbors of all ages. A bench in the parkway allows a resting spot to enjoy nature. In the backyard, there are several sitting and walking areas for nature lovers to enjoy. There are small garden areas filled with succulents, pollinators, herbs, and flowers. A collection of unique garden art is scattered among the gardens and paths. The focal point includes a koi pond filled with colorful, but shy fish, and a relaxing waterfall.
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Frank and Marilyn Sizemore moved into their dream home near Prospect Park in 2020 and kicked off several home and garden update projects. The existing grass lawn was replaced with a low-water pollinator’s paradise and a drip system replaced the lawn sprinkler system. A variety of hydro zones were added for stunning variety – every day brings something new in the garden! The private backyard encompasses a relaxing rose garden, vegetable gardens, two compact natural grass lawns, and several fruit trees. A custom poolside kitchen palapa with BBQ was added, providing an entertaining and relaxing area for morning coffee and evening libations. To better enjoy the pollinators and critters that visit the back gardens, several seating areas and a fire pit provide generous places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Patty and Jeff Denning transformed their 1924 home into a Mediterranean villa – creating a garden oasis with a hidden patio, intimate areas for quiet conversations, fountains, and wandering pathways. In a recent project, they added a room that blends into the environment – bringing the garden indoors. Various microclimates have created a jungle of sun and shade loving perennials for year-round color. A secluded pool awaits in the far end of the elongated back patio. In the front, designed by the owners for water conservation, Patty and Jeff have created a large courtyard highlighted by olive trees, roses, palms, succulents, and desert flora. Many different species of songbirds have made the property their home – which adds to the tranquil setting. Patty and Jeff call this their private resort and spa oasis.
Artist Bob and Cindy Ellis put their creative minds together and created a magical oasis garden in their 1910 cottage home. Vintage style outbuildings built with architectural salvaged pieces are the showcase of their landscape which has been featured in books and magazines throughout the years, including April Cornell. Entering the backyard you walk through a vintage door that features a painting Cindy added in place of a window. Roses trail along a pergola leading to a garden house built by Bob. A deck overlooks a fish pond. As you stroll around the home and gardens, you will find multiple sitting vignettes. Walking through a rose arbor you'll come upon another one of Bobs outbuildings that showcases Bob's one-of-a-kind birdhouses . Bob also built Cindy's studio where she creates and holds classes. Each spring the couple opens their gardens to the public and offers their art for sale.
George and Judy Nash bought their 1950’s home on two acres of land 30 years ago. The house is completely surrounded by 100 year old orange trees on three sides and by an acre of avocado trees on the fourth side. Along the street and driveway is a three-hundred-foot row of rose bushes in full bloom in the Spring. There are many more unusual roses in the back yard with a number of Camellias along the front of the house. A row of pyracantha shrubs accentuate the driveway. In the rear of the property are more orange trees along with other assorted fruit trees. Several flowering shrubs and iris are scattered around the property. You will have a chance to see a large drip irrigation system which irrigates all the trees and shrubs around the property. The plants are welcomed by a variety of birds which live there all year round or visit for a season.
Purchase your Garden Tour tickets and maps at The Grove School. An Opportunity Drawing will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday. Tickets will be sold both days of the Garden Tour. Winners need not be present to win, but must pick up prizes by 2:00pm Sunday. The Grove School was originally the Old Barton Schoolhouse. It is the oldest standing school structure in Redlands and was moved several blocks in 2008 to what became the Heritage Park area. Through an extensive restoration project, the school was opened to the community for The Grove School use in 2017. Students will give tours of their gardens on campus as well as the livestock they are raising as part of the agriculture program.