Put a spring in your step at Clayton gardens tour

When we think of spring in Clayton, our minds are filled with visions of green hills, orange poppies, buzzing bees and the Clayton Historical Society’s annual Gardens Tour.

This year’s tour will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24. Five homeowners have graciously opened their garden gates for tour-goers to peruse their landscapes, walk their paths and gaze at their gardens.

The sound of cascading water will greet you at the landscape of Mary Alice Kirk. This feature can be enjoyed from various sitting areas. Kirk has installed perennial collections in abundance. She believes why plant two when you can plant eight. The results are fabulous displays of texture and color.

Robb and Karen Sorn have a lawn-free front yard, anchored by a large, stunning red foliage Japanese maple tree, flowering ornamental shrubs and decorative stone. The overall feeling of this landscape is peaceful and serene. The backyard hosts winding walkways adorned with whimsical garden elements and lots of cheerful color.

Succulents are all the rage the past couple of years, and the Sorns have embraced their passion – creating unique venues to display their substantial collections. Using companion grasses and perennials helps make this landscape successful.

World traveler Dennis Kaump has created a tranquil, low-maintenance garden bursting with colorful shrubs and hardy flowers. The showpiece of this landscape is the originally designed barbecue island with a concrete counter embedded with coins from many nations. This piece is quite a sight to see.

The traditional garden and landscape of Frank and Marcia Thome is cool and inviting. This sprawling garden has mature trees, profuse color and attractive elements. Marcia’s attention to detail can be admired at every turn.

The Clayton Historical Society’s Gardens Tour is a wonderful opportunity for those seeking creative inspirations, design concepts and planting ideas to use in their own landscape or gardens.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. You can purchase pre-sale tickets with cash or check at the Clayton Historical Museum, 6101 Main St., and R&M Nursery, 6780 Marsh Creek Road, during business hours. Go online to www.claytonhistory.org and pay by credit card using your PayPal account.