Saturday's Garden Tour begins at Bibb House
By Annie Statton


Posted on January 1, 0001 12:00 AM



Annie Statton is a member of the Logan County Garden Club and chair of the garden tour. She and her husband Winston live near the Bibb House, where tickets and vendors can be found, and Fountain Manor, where the tea will be held. Tickets ($10 for the tour only, $16 for the tour and the tea) may be purchased at the Bibb House Saturday or in advance at the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, or from any garden club member or by calling Statton at 725-9100.

The Town and Country Garden Tour, sponsored by The Logan County Garden Club, will be held this Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning at the Historic Bibb House on the corner of Winter and 8th Streets. The Bibb House was built around 1782 by Major Richard Bibb and is one of Kentucky's most elegant historic places.
The Logan County Garden Club chose the grounds as an ongoing beautification project 13 years ago. Various bulbs, shrubbery, perennials, a herb garden, hostas, and many roses have been planted over the years. As with any garden, it is still evolving. Statuary, iron fencing and urns planted with red geraniums are some of the most eye-catching garden artifacts. Our latest project is a moon garden on the southwest side of the yard. It includes many perennials as well as white impatiens.
Vendors on the front lawn include:
Turner Valley Produce , Clay, Elaine and Lindsay Turner
Gourds and More , Nancy Hanley
Stuart Gardens , Robert and Jodie Stuart, perennials and other plants
Nora LaCayo , handmade jewelry
Thirty-One Gifts , April Triplett
Main Street Russellville , brochures and plans for Main Street

Garden #2
Fountain Manor, Circa 1820, 201 West 9th Street
Location of Tea from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., catered by Theresa Russell

This stunning Colonial was built by Samuel Caldwell, the first merchant of Russellville. Tom Rhea, another former prominent resident, was a Kentucky Road Commissioner in 1935. He also ran for governor. The current owner, Roy Gill, purchased the home in 1987, rebuilt in 1988 as a result of fire, and later another large room was added on the west wing. After losing five large trees due to weather, a unique garden was planted around a surviving stump. Rocks, annuals, and pots of color disguise this large obtrusion with beauty.
Three front downstairs rooms are original to the home. The west parlor contains furniture belonging to Mr. Gill’s great-grandmother. On the upstairs landing are portraits of his great-grandmother and great-grandfather. This stunningly decorated and gracious historic home is the site of our tea, served from 11:30 a.m.until 1 p.m..
An ancient elm tree in the backyard has ivy vines hanging in likeness to Spanish moss. Large hanging baskets filled with begonias, impatiens and other annuals are also hanging from the trees. Numerous potted annuals are scattered around this beautiful home.

Garden #3
Home of Gerald and Debra Frost, 629 Green Valley Drive, The Greens
This quaint suburban home bought 13 years ago, has provided therapeutic gardening for the owners. The results are a sanctuary in the backyard with privacy, beauty and safety for the family dog. The white pines planted on the inside of the picket fence provide a screen from all neighbors. There are iris, azaleas, perennials and annuals to enjoy from the covered porch. The winding walk that leads to the front door, divides new foundation plantings with a blooming hydrangea from the front lawn planted with three Yoshima cherry trees. This is an great example of building a garden from scratch.

Garden #4
Home of Tom and Judith Hoover,1452 Proctor Mill Road, Auburn
Long time Garden Club members and second time Garden Hosts (2006), the Hoovers have nurtured this country hideaway, which features a unique “A frame” house surrounded by natural woodlands, a lake, gardens galore, and a B&B (The Wren’s Nest). The porches of the home have numerous pots of annuals and a 35-year-old orange tree. There is even a newly completed green house. The gazebo features two porch swings. Nearby is an English Knot garden started six years ago after a trip to England. There is a “wildflower loop” that is 1.3 miles long. Beauty abounds!!
Directions: North from Russellville on Hwy 79 1.5 miles past Bypass to right on Hwy 1588, Proctor Mill Road, 1.5 miles down Proctor Mill Road to Hwy 1452 on left. Wrens Nest B&B sign at driveway.

Garden #5
Home of B. Long, 115 Elm Street, Chapman Subdivision

This neat brick bungalow’s garden has been tended for the last 18 years by a gardener who began her love of gardening at the young age of eight years old. The unusual willow oak is 15-16 years old and offers great shade for the pristine back yard. The Bottle Brush Buckeye shrub is one of the owner’s favorites and should be in full bloom the day of the tour. Although the new porch was just completed, a true gardener's hand is evident in the state of the newly planted annuals, perennials and lawn. Ask about the amazing “Rain Chain;” it was a Christmas gift and offers much entertainment.

Garden # 6
Home of Jim and Linda Reed, 108 Northwood Drive, Chapman Subdivision

This lovely brick ranch was planned and built by the owner. The estate has expanded to include a garage, a potting barn and a gracious screened porch. The neat perennial and annual beds are a delight. The vegetable garden is as attractive as any flower garden. Mr. Reed developed his gardening skills as a child with his mother, growing vegetables as well as flowers. The vegetable garden, peppers, tomatoes, squash, etc. provide ingredients for canning a variety of salsas and pasta sauces. Don’t miss the “Gold Rush” evergreen in the side backyard nor the beautiful purple clematis on the welcoming mail box.

Garden #7
Home of Mark and Jean Reynolds, 104 East 10th Street

This gracious home had its beginning as a farm house on the Kirkpatrick Farm. Daleview Subdivision was built on the farm land. The large Osage Orange tree at the corner of Lynnwood and 10th, which is estimated to be 300+ years old, gets much attention from photographers and nature lovers alike. The sprawling lawn is well manicured with a serenity garden spot at the left side with a view of the home. All around this stylish home are plantings of impatiens, roses and begonias with whimsy everywhere. The fountain with its pineapple center makes a soothing sound to be enjoyed in the comfortable, colorful outdoor furniture arranged as dining and living rooms.

Stop 8
First Presbyterian Church. 6th Street, Russellville

The lot was purchased for the church in 1878 and the building was dedicated March 2, 1879. New rear addition was built in 1996. The sanctuary renovation was completed in 2009. Padded church pews divided on both sides provide comfortable seating during worship. Beaded board ceiling, new custom designed pendant lights (mimicking the design of the beautiful antique stained glass windows along each wall) was done in the design of the Renaissance Period; ceiling fans, video projection and sound system were installed. The stained glass over the entry door was designed and donated by the late Elsworth Strickler. Step into a calm, meditative atmosphere that showcases a rich history of reverence. This friendly church welcomes you.
We wish to thank The Logan County Chamber of Commerce and First Southern National Bank for their Co-Sponsorship.


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