The Ripon Garden Club’s home tour showcasing six gardens will take place Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The gardens featured are located throughout the community with intimate eating areas, family fun locations, landscaping with pools, edible delights and old-fashioned country gardens. Drought tolerant landscaping is highlighted in several of the gardens, demonstrating how to be water-wise without being boring.
In the Spring Creek Country Club neighborhood there are two gardens that have benefitted from recent restorations with a giant pepper tree complete with multiple bee hives that was removed to open space for entertaining.
Another home features countless activities from a pool and spa to a game area from ping pong to corn hole. A firepit in the garden is “perfect for roasting marshmallows” after the sun drops behind the distant Altamont hills.
In the center of the community is a “lovely” Craftsman home built in 1923 complete with a barn and other out-buildings. A bubbling rock stream, hand-crafted by the owner completely masks any possible road noise. A flower bed within an old iron bed frame at the home is a must to see on the tour.
Another spacious yard has enticed the homeowner to host multiple parties throughout the year including an annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and a Halloween haunted McMansion get-together. Pottery throughout the yard contributes to the sense of fun with a burst of color and texture.
A pair of remaining homes located across the street from each other, has a sleepy modern design, including a jacuzzi, pool and raised fire pit. Visitors may notice the lovely olive bushes across the rear of the yard adding textual interest as well as a degree of privacy.
A young family lives in the home where large family gatherings are a priority. A home across the street boasts a formal entrance with a dry creek bed, an olive tree and Spring Grove trees that beckon visitors to take a closer look. The backyard is intensively landscaped with spaces for growing succulents, flowers, herb and vegetables. Adding to the charm are mile signs, a gift for a son reflecting on their past travels.
Refreshments will be offered on the tour along with a silent auction, and an opportunity to go home with one of a dozen prizes on tap in the garden tour.
Tickets are on sale at $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12 – no strollers please.
Tour tickets can be purchased at Schemper’s Ace Hardware, Parks Greenhouse Nursery and Silverado Nursery in Ripon. Tickets are also available at New Buds Nursery in Manteca as well as at Rain Forest Nursery. In Escalon tickets are available at P&L Nursery. In Riverbank at Morris Nursery and in Modesto at Westurf Nursery. In Riverbank tickets can be purchased at Morris Nursery and at The Greenery in Turlock.
The net proceeds of the garden tour are returned to the Ripon community through college scholarships, gardens at the elementary schools, downtown Ripon planters and at the butterfly garden at Stouffer Park. Artwork on the cover of this year’s ticket was created by Ripon High School student Chloe Kiser.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.
