News
The 2008 Festival of Gardens
The 2008 Festival of Gardens lived up to the expectations generated by its seventeen predecessor tours. With May 15th and 17th sunny and springlike, carefully tended and beautifully landscaped gardens again provided a lasting impression for all who visited them.
More than 350 people, including novice and accomplished gardeners, neighbors, outdoor lovers, Mother's Day celebrants and the frankly curious, visited twelve sites in Columbia's Forest Acres neighborhood. Many were people who drove or walked by these homes on a regular basis and "wanted to know what the rest of the garden looked like." The landscapes were diverse - from the compact and very formal - to rambling pathways that opened out to a variety of vistas. Each location seemed a reflection of the personalities of its owners and had their stories to tell. It was fun to hear the comments of visitors who knew the gardeners and could remark on how perfect the "fit" was.
Thirty-six new members who joined during the tour validated Columbia Green's mission and helped to guarantee equally enjoyable May excursions in the future. It is also interesting to note that our new website, www.columbiagreen.org, accounted for 25 percent of ticket sales...the first time this convenience was offered.
Thanks are due to our energetic and capable Board of Directors, committee members, Master Gardeners, volunteer hosts/hostesses, the very generous garden owners, tour sponsors and attendees. We look forward to an even more spectacular Festival of Gardens next May when Columbia Green celebrates its twenty-fifth birthday. Mark your calendars and watch our website for details as plans come together.
