Kathy Berryhill
Creek County Master Gardener
Many homes in our area have beautiful landscapes, but we typically see only the front yard. This year four local Master Gardeners are opening their entire gardens for public tours! A behind-the-scenes view will reveal annual and perennial flowers, vegetable and herb gardening, water management, and hardscape design. Gardens will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any MG before the event or at any garden on the tour. Proceeds benefit the Master Gardener Scholarship Program and community beautification.
Featured Gardens (All Sapulpa addresses):
- 129 W Cleveland
- 1601 E Dewey Ave
- 1415 E Lincoln
- 1717 Valley Road
Garden Descriptions:
129 W Cleveland: Two years ago, this city lot was overgrown with vines and weeds. Although small, it’s got a mighty garden, full of unique plantings and rustic decor. After a general clean up uncovered hidden patios and brick walkways, sun and shade gardens were planted. An old concrete slab that once was the base for a small shed is now an inviting sitting area with a chiminea. An old stairway became the perfect place for a shaded yard swing. With the addition of perennials, grasses, vines, and annual color, every inch of this yard feels welcoming! You are invited to sit a while and dream of your next garden plan. As an additional treat, visitors are welcome to tour the newly renovated upstairs garage apartment. The charming cottage décor welcomes friends and family and makes a perfect respite among the beautiful gardens.
1601 E Dewey Ave: This garden sits in the midst of 10 acres of native land. The numerous sandstones found during the home construction are used throughout for borders and design. Creative foundation plantings and green belt hedges are in place for privacy around the yard and pool. Oklahoma native plants, perennials and annuals are mixed together to provide color contrast. As a certified Monarch Waystation, numerous butterfly host and nectar plants will be found. Seasonal color is a constant goal and new varieties of evergreens and annuals have been added for eye catching color appeal! The addition of a DIY drip irrigation system has greatly simplified the watering chores and can be scaled to fit any yard. Step-by-step handouts for drip irrigation systems will be available.
1415 E. Lincoln Ave: A spacious lot provided the new owners ample room for creative plantings of over 20 new trees, numerous shrubs, and perennials. The large garden grows herbs and vegetables which are continuously used in the cooking of amazing dishes. Added pathway plantings of fruit trees and wildflowers provide nectar for the owners’ bee hives. Be sure to visit the new greenhouse, equipped with solar operated vents! It’s hard to imagine that five years ago the yard of this 75-year-old house was full of invasive vines, saplings, and thorny shrubbery which hid brick walls, hidden walkways, and even a garden bench. This is truly an “urban garden” in the middle of our town that will spark your creative imagination!
1717 Valley Road: Three years ago, these new home owners decided to revamp their yard, removing old, worn-out shrubs and trees. The design focused on an interesting and varied landscape. South-facing front beds include mostly drought-tolerant, native perennials, grasses, and trees that are more typically seen in a Southwest garden. Color is added with seasonal blooms. The backyard includes pollinator-friendly perennials and annual color pots which create varied color swaths. A “grandchild park” has been created under the large Water Oak using cypress mulch for all-weather play. The addition of a dry riverbed prevents erosion and directs rainwater flow. Raised beds host flowers, vegetables, and herbs such as Fennel, Parsley, and Rue to keep hungry caterpillars fed. This colorful, creative yard includes unique and eye-catching pieces of original art that enhance the overall appeal.
