32nd Annual WASSO Garden Tour

Join us for the 32nd Annual Garden Tour sponsored by the Women’s Association of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (WASSO).

Visit each of these gardens on the tour:

1007 North Fountain Avenue (Clifton Residence)

The Cliftons welcome you to their ever-evolving garden of over 40 years. Their search for colorful plants that thrive in their mostly shady areas is ongoing. They visited 12 gardens this spring in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina for new ideas. They try to increase perennials yearly seeking color throughout the growing season. Mushroom compost and peat were increased this year to convert the mostly clay to soil with more organic matter.

Their garden boasts 15 different hostas, some very unique coral bells, and a variety of hydrangeas with caladiums and coleus to brighten the dark spaces. Rare for this region is a crepe myrtle tree, the tallest birch tree in Clark County, and a happy rhododendron.

Their pond has water lilies, lotuses, and a relaxing waterfall. There are approximately 45 koi defended by a solar ultrasonic device against blue herons, ground hogs, skunks, raccoons, etc. Take time to enjoy each corner of their garden.

2215 North Fountain Boulevard (McGregor Residence)

After having scoured the real estate market for some time looking for a country property to allow for all her gardening desires, Janelle saw 2215 N. Fountain online. She visited the property and knew it would be a good compromise as it felt private due to the large yard and the fact that it backed up to the very quiet St. Bernard Cemetery. Doug and Janelle purchased the property in 2015 and immediately got to work removing multiple dead trees, putting up a fence for their dog and children, and turning an old stone flower bed into a sandbox.

The property was a blank slate, so Janelle drew out a new landscape design for the front and upper back yard the perimeter of which is surrounded by an old limestone wall. She went to work tilling the new beds and amending the dead, dusty, light gray soil with organic cow manure, fall leaves, and other organic materials. She then planted trees and transplanted the existing peony plants. Over the years she has added leatherleaf viburnum, magnolia, honey locust, redbud, maple, and dogwood trees as well as lilacs, hydrangeas, arborvitae, boxwoods, barberry, ferns, Russian sage, spiderwort, and more varieties of hosta to fill in the spaces.

Beyond the upper back yard as you traverse down the grassy ramp you will pass by phantom hydrangeas lining the rock wall, newly planted blue arrow juniper, and lemon false cypress. Having grown up on a farm growing much of their own food, Janelle has created a vegetable allotment outfitted with plum, apple, pear, and peach trees as well as blackberries, strawberries, and blueberry bushes. After several years with raised beds and weathering an intense war with Canadian thistle, she tore everything out and tilled the thistle to death before redesigning the garden. This time she enhanced the space by building a large chicken coop for fresh eggs and beautiful organic compost and adding 2 beehives for pollination and fresh honey. 

Over the years as they added trees, plants, and flowers and have kept the property free of chemical amendments they have noticed an influx of various bird species and other creatures that they enjoy watching when relaxing out back. They hope, as you meander through, that you will enjoy the space as much as they do.  

845 Hartford Drive (Faria Residence)

Owner Bob Faria has lived at this residence for over 20 years and always has had a flower garden here. Each year he switches up the variety and positions of the flowers. At one point over the years the garden included over 300 dahlias. Bob says he thoroughly enjoys gardening. However, the deer in the area present a challenge as they enjoy eating the flowers! He hopes you like viewing all his flowers as much as the deer enjoy consuming them.

823 Torrence Drive (Leeth Residence)

When Eric and Kristi were looking for a larger home in 2018, their must-have list included an attached garage, curb appeal, and a good spot in the yard to grow vegetables.  The interior spaces of this 1971 home met their needs, and the secluded backyard with its brick wall and natural screen of trees, bushes, and garden paths ended their search.  The Better Homes & Gardens New Complete Guide to Gardening they had purchased as apartment dwelling newlyweds was quickly unpacked.  For the first full year they enjoyed the tranquil outdoor living space taking note of the existing landscaping as the seasons changed.  

Preferring to keep a more formal look in front, Kristi has planted New Guinea impatiens, salvia, and alyssum to accent the existing plantings of euonymus and serviceberry.  Porch planters of dragon wing begonias and ferns greet guests at the front door.  

In the backyard Eric and Kristi have gradually changed small sections of the garden for their preferences while keeping many of the mature plants and hardscape in place.  A small garden of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers grows in the sunniest area of the yard.  Potted herbs flank the back steps where they are easily accessed from the kitchen and moved inside for the winter.  Currently, they have three varieties of oregano – Greek, Italian, and Syrian.  A moveable, raised bed keeps bunnies out of the lettuce.  Although a challenge, Kristi eagerly planted tea and floribunda roses including Peace, Crysler Imperial, and JFK bushes.  This year Eric focused on the shady area, adding bleeding heart, goatsbeard, coral bells, and columbine to the existing hostas and ferns.  Containers of various annuals keep the yard colorful all summer with blue lobelia an annual must.  The gazebo was reroofed with an antiglare blue metal and is a great place to read and relax.  There you will find an elephant’s ear plant from a start received following the 2023 WASSO garden tour.  Two recently added garden sculptures provide interest against green leaves.  As with any mature landscape, weather often necessitates change.  A third of the wisteria came down with the fall wind storm, and bushes were victims of the erratic winter weather.  Their book has already come off the shelf to plan those next garden changes.  Eric and Kristi invite you to their Springfield Beautification 2024 Home of the Week.

3027 Imperial Boulevard (Cox Residence)

The owner moved to this residence seven years ago, and everything that you see here has happened in those seven years. First, she had new landscaping done. Next, a she-shed and out house were built. A wood fence was installed in front of the chain link one, so the owner could paint and decorate it. Then the garden was planted. The owner has been collecting irises for years. This year she reports that there were thirty to forty blooms all at once!

3582 Heatherwood Avenue (Day Residence)

Pat and her late husband purchased the land for their home 40 years ago. They discovered that actually it was a rock field, and the rocks had to be removed before they could start building the house. Six truckloads of rocks were taken out, and 55 loads of dirt refilled the yard. Many of the rocks were kept to use in stone work around the landscaping. Over the years Pat has created a lovely, large, uniquely landscaped yard. At 94 years of age, she still does all her own yard work. Her love of flowers is apparent everywhere you look.  In addition to the flowers, hostas, and vegetables, there are several pools with waterfalls, one of which is stocked with fish. You also will notice some of her many collections on display. There have been two weddings performed in this beautiful back yard. Pat hopes you enjoy what you see here today. 

Tickets are also available at the Springfield Symphony office (937-325-8100), Schneider’s Florist (633 N. Limestone Street), The Peanut Shoppe (1576 E. Main Street), It’s Your Party Bakery (1042 Upper Valley Pike).