Putnam Master Gardeners' Garden Tour slated June 28

On June 28, the Putnam County Master Gardeners will hold their third annual Garden Tour. The event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a "rain-or-shine" event.

This year's tour includes seven beautiful gardens. There is plenty of variety in this year's garden tour stops. From both ends of the county, north to south and several places in between visitors are sure to find something that catches their eye.

For the vegetable fans there are three stops that range from "a rustic blend of flowers and vegetables consisting of four square beds for vegetables that are each outlined by a mix of favorite flowers," at a home north of Bainbridge to a large-scale produce garden near Fillmore that incorporates "a variety of different gardening techniques and organic treatments whenever possible" to produce a variety of vegetables, as well as berries and fruit trees.

Lastly, there is a well-cared-for garden in Cloverdale specializing in tomatoes and peppers. There is a lot to learn at this stop about what to do (and not do) for those interested in starting to grow vegetables, or have been for years.

For the flower lovers three stops also offer a variety of locations and flower gardens for your education and entertainment. Beginning north of Bainbridge at a home that surrounds a peaceful sitting area and fire pit with a mix of annuals and perennials creating a perfect spot to enjoy a cool evening; to a Greencastle home that boasts two water features that are home to fish, frogs, water lilies, water lotus and hibiscus. There are also Basjoo and Abyssinian banana trees and a variety of cannas on site, as well as a healthy vegetable garden. Near Belle Union is a country home offering tranquility among more than 15 varieties of Hostas, more than 55 varieties of Day Lilies as well as Coral Bells, Bleeding Hearts and many other flowers and plants.

Finally, for a change of pace everyone is invited to stop by Chandler's Farm on U.S. 40 to visit the family-owned orchard. Started nearly 40 years ago, the orchard now grows nearly 200 varieties of apples and during the season allows customers to "pick their own" from this "wide and diverse selection."

In the fall, they offer hayrides, horse-drawn tours of the orchard and a pumpkin patch. There is also a country store to visit.

Tickets for this year's event (which include a Garden Tour map) are $6 per person and can be purchased at any of the garden stops and at the following area locations: Hilltop Orchids, Headley Hardware, RTM Unique Country Gifts and Garden Shop, Eitel's Flowers, Butler's LP, Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, Bainbridge Clerk-Treasurer's Office, HOP (computer side), Purdue Extension Office, First Financial Bank and Perkin's Pride Farm Stand.

For more information about either of these events persons may contact Ann Delchambre at 653-8411 or email adelchambre@purdue.edu.

Upcoming Events

May 26 -- Extension Office closed, Memorial Day.

June 1 -- State Fair 4-H livestock entry online entry forms due.

June 3 -- Putnam 4-H Public Speaking/Demonstration Workshop, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

June 4-7 -- Putnam 4-H Camp, contact office for details.

June 9 -- Youth Pork Quality Assurance program, Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m.

June 9 -- Putnam 4-H Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

June 11 -- Putnam 4-H Basket Workshop, Fairgrounds, 1-4 p.m.

June 11 -- Putnam 4-H Photography Workshop, Putnam County Museum, 7 p.m.

June 12 -- Exploring 4-H orientation meeting, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

June 28 -- Putnam County Master Gardener Tour, 10 a.m.