BY: RACHEL WUMKES
I wish I had a green thumb. I wish I could grow beds of colorful flowers, or rows and rows of vegetables to feed my family.
Unfortunately, I cannot. I do seem, however, to be very skilled at growing a plethora of thistles and weeds. They like to pop up in my landscaping and throughout my wildflowers. And inside? Well, inside my house has now mostly been converted to plants of the fake variety. Ones that look pretty and are always green instead of brown and lifeless because I haven’t watered them in six weeks.
To be a gardener is much like being a painter, except the soil is the blank canvas to create a masterpiece. Instead of a few brush strokes of color, the flowers become your paint and, over time, grow into a force of beauty and wonder.
It’s not an easy task, by any means. You simply can’t plant the flower or vegetable plants and hope for the best. Gardening takes time. Lots and lots of time to cultivate the ideal growing situation with the proper amount of water, as well as all the hours spent tending the plants and removing the pesky weeds.
A few folks around town have more than just a green thumb. In fact, I’m quite convinced their whole hands are green!
On Saturday, June 27th, you have the chance to go on the Clear Lake Friendly Garden Club’s Tour of these impeccable gardens. Tickets are only $10 each to see 4 gardens and may be purchased at any one of the gardens. Cash or checks accepted. Tour times are at your leisure between 10AM – 2PM. Please note that these hours are set in stone, and not to be altered. I can imagine they folks don’t want people wandering willy-nilly throughout their gardens all day long, so you must respect the set times.
The tour of gardens consists of:
Larry & Kay Day – 508 3rd Ave N.
Jeff & Cheryl Sheimo – 308 N. 9th St
Jerry Nelson & Christen Sherwood – 409 N. 5th
Dennis & Barb Rinnels – 800 N. 10th St
And, as it seems to be the weekend for all things garden, I suggest you pop over to the Central Gardens website and check out their virtual garden party. Typically, this event is hopping with live music, appetizers, and beverages as people meander through the beautiful grounds to enjoy the many festivities.
This year, they’ve had to switch it up a bit, rolling with the punches like all the other organizations throughout the country to ensure they still have something going on but in a manner safe for everyone. As the summer garden party is the main fundraiser for the Gardens to offset the operating costs for the year, they need our help now more than ever!
The virtual auction will have items on sale from June 28th through July 4th. Some items will take bids where you can win, while others are simply available to purchase.
As the old nursery rhyme asks Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, how does your garden grow? You can find out the answer and more with a weekend of gardening fun at the Lake!