Garden Tour 2015........by Joyce Oroz

                                 Annual Aromas Garden Tour 2015

Saturday, May 9th, the day before Mother’s Day 10:00 am to 4:00 pm is a very special day for gardeners, garden lovers and artists. The Aromas Hills Artisans have put together a fantastic Garden Tour this year—ten stops on the map, ten lovely and unique adventures. AHA members invite you to roam the beautiful green countryside of Aromas, discovering the amazing gardens chosen for this year’s tour. Most gardens will have artists in them, showing off their work, ready to answer questions. 

The Aromas Hills Artisans invite you and your friends and family to join us at the Aromas Grange, corner of Rose Ave. and Bardue Ave., where tickets are just a $10.00 donation, (tax-deductable) per person. You will be given a booklet and map of the gardens.  The tour just might be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Mom or Grandma.

Your self-guided tour might begin with garden #2 or it might begin with #10. It’s up to you. You will be able to read about each garden in your booklet and decide which ones interest you the most. Some gardens emphasize flowers, color and design. Some are big on drought tolerant plants. Some are great examples of raising vegetables and fruit trees.

Among the flowers, trees, ponds etc. you will discover AHA artisans showcasing their work. Be on the lookout for pearl jewelry by Lesley Holtway, three-dimensional cards by Christine West, Woodcarvings by Barbara Scoles, embroidered children’s clothing by Ann Grell, prints by Kathryn Stutz-Taylor, paintings by Aila Outrey, felt and fiber art by Susan Shirley, ink drawings by Bill McQuery, prints and graphic design by Andrea McCann, ceramics by Jane Rekedal, beaded jewelry by Diedra Kmetovic and collage by Kelly Anderson. You might even run into local authors Debra Smith and Joyce Oroz signing copies of their latest books. Actually, I will have all six of my books plus, signed copies of Okinawa Moon by Arthur Oroz.  

4-H will be on hand at the Aromas Community Grange to sell plants and boxed lunches. Representatives from the Aromas Water District will answer questions and offer a list of the best plants for water-wise planting. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions and give advice.

Those who participate in the garden tour will come away with gardening ideas, tips and information and a day well spent. See you there! And don't forget to stop by the park for a look at the giant fish sculpture.