by Mallory Moad
What do you do when the news of the world is getting you down? Go to a movie? Log into social media and vent your frustrations? Eat ice cream by the pint? Well, movies can be expensive (especially when you add popcorn), ranting online isn’t going to do much for your blood pressure, and consuming large quantities of sweets … we’re not even going to go there. It’s time to put down your phone, close the refrigerator door, and get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
On Saturday, April 26, the UCCE Master Gardeners of Fresno County (Master Gardeners, for short) will present their 33rd annual Spring Garden Tour. This day-long, self-guided excursion will showcase five beautiful, one-of-a-kind private gardens throughout Fresno and Clovis, plus the Master Gardener program’s demonstration garden, the Garden of The Sun. You aren’t likely to encounter live music or food trucks. There are plenty of other fun local happenings that include those elements. Here, it’s all about the gardens, the people who created them, and finding comfort in nature. There will be floral gardens, formal gardens, and funky gardens that include vegetables, fruit trees, delightful artwork, and chickens.
Andrew Chapman’s garden in the Old Fig Garden neighborhood in Fresno, one of the gardens on the tour
That’s right, chickens. The two smallest gardens showcase what can be done with limited space while the main attraction of the largest is hundreds of roses, offering an immersive olfactory, as well as visual, experience. If this isn’t the perfect escape from worldwide turmoil for an overstimulated brain, it comes pretty close.
According to Linda Kelsey, one half of the Spring Garden Tour’s publicity team, the tour is the primary source of fundraising for the Master Gardeners program, with all proceeds going to its support. Having established an interest in gardening at an early age, Linda appreciates not only the aesthetics of the gardens but the wealth of available information as well. All plant life will be labeled, and Master Gardeners will serve as docents at each location to answer any questions attendees may have. It isn’t unheard of for the skilled creators of these urban retreats to make an appearance. Who knows? You might be inspired to start a garden yourself.
Andrew Chapman’s Rose
The gardens included in the tour are selected a year in advance, with the process for the next year beginning not long after the current tour has ended. There are no hard and fast rules––some people nominate their own gardens, sometimes it’s word of mouth, and sometimes it’s just serendipity. “I’ve heard of Master Gardeners driving by an interesting place and inquiring,” Linda says. A number of factors are considered, including the appearance of the garden at the time of the tour (what looked awesome in the fall might not be as impressive in spring), traffic flow, and parking. The majority of the gardens are in established neighborhoods, and respect for the residents is top priority. None of the owners of gardens featured in this year’s tour are Master Gardeners, but as Linda explains, the gardens “are tended by garden-loving homeowners.”
Lisa and Jonathan Scott Halverstadt’s backyard sanctuary in Clovis
Upcycled elements add character
This green-thumbed duo’s garden is a combination of decorative and edible plants. “We have attempted to integrate both kinds of vegetation in ways that are functional and pleasing to look at. We have fruit trees and vines that are ornamental and also produce fruit.” Most of the plants they grow are started from seed in their garage, a process that is challenging, but when successful, very rewarding. This year Lisa is thinking way outside the home-gardening box by trying her hand at hydroponic farming, with forty Eversweet strawberry plants.
Edible and ornamental plants grow together
Varieties of lettuce
Jonathan and Lisa have the ability to make things grow, as well as a keen eye for visual design, but their garden is much more than a charming display. “One of the things I love about our garden is that Lisa and I do it together,” Jonathan explains. “Each of us brings a little something different to the table when it comes to creating the uniqueness of our garden, and I absolutely love that our garden is an extension of our relationship and the love we have for each other.”
Color creates a playful mood
Jonathan and Lisa––and the Master Gardeners, too––hope the anti-anxiety effect of spending the day in the great outdoors in the company of all kinds of flora (and some feathered fauna) motivates you to give gardening a try. If that happens to you, Jonathan has this piece of advice: “Don’t wait until you have it all together to get started with gardening––just get out there and get to it!”
My name is Mallory Moad and I believe in the healing powers of nature, both wild and domestic varieties.
Jonathan and Lisa’s herb garden
You can find more information about the UCCE Master Gardeners Program, including upcoming classes, at ucanr.edu and on Facebook.
Great article but no article or succession of photos can do the Halverstadt garden true justice. You have to “see it to believe it!”