An array of plants borders a stone walkway at the home of Signal Mountain resident, Donna Smith. The Smith's home was featured in the 2012 Spring Garden Tour that benefits the Chattanooga Food Bank.IF YOU GOWhat: Spring Garden Tour to benefit Chattanooga Area Food BankWhen: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 1; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, June 2Where: Five gardens around city plus teaching garden at Chattanooga Area Food BankAdmission: $15 ages 13 and older; ticket good both daysPhone: 423-622-1800TOUR STOPSChattanooga• Tammy Hass, 2716 E. 17th St.• Grace Episcopal Church community garden, 4009 Sunbeam Ave.• Evelyn Davenport Navarre teaching garden, 2009 Curtain Pole RoadOoltewah• Jim and Estelle Harris, 9326 Houston LaneSignal Mountain• Jimmy Wooten, 3813 Fairmount RoadFairmount Pike• Mark and Sandy Koss, 1855 Lewis Mine Road
Four private gardens, one community garden and a teaching garden will open their gates to visitors Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, as part of the 26th annual Spring Garden Tour.
The tour raises funds for Chattanooga Area Food Bank's community garden. The garden provides senior citizens in the Golden Gateway neighborhood of downtown the opportunity to grow their own produce and flowers.
"We love to show gardens that are a work of art and love, and gardens that offer ideas on how to use sculpture and artifacts, water features and stonework," says Jane Mauldin, garden coordinator for the Food Bank.
The four gardens at private residences will feature lush displays of hostas, rhododendrons, daylilies, irises and hydrangeas. The stop at Tammy Hass' home features a fairy garden; Jimmy Wooten's garden holds more than 100 varieties of hosta and rhododendron. Saturday visitors to the community garden at Grace Episcopal Church can also shop for fresh produce at its weekly Farmers Market.
Visitors may start the tour at any of its six stops. Tickets will be sold at each.
Contact staff writer Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6284.