The Medford branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will hold its 8th annual Garden Tour from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016 – featuring properties in Central Point and Medford. The cost for the self-guided tour is $15 per ticket, with all proceeds going to local scholarships for women and girls. Tickets may be purchased at Blue Door Garden Store in Jacksonville, any Grange Co-op stores, Caprice Vineyards and at the gardens on the day of the tour.
The tour will showcase Chris and Gary Pellett’s incredible property at 972 Old Stage Road in Central Point. Visitors can begin by exploring the area around the house where the owners have created a “xeriscaping garden,” requiring minimal to no water, with both native plants and Mediterranean plants suited to our mild winters and hot dry summers. Emphasis is given to varying shades of foliage colors combined with colorful flowering perennials. The site is designated as a “Bee Friendly Farm,” and all efforts are made to provide a safe and productive place for pollinators. Also of interest are the acres of brilliantly-colored rose varieties. In 2003, the Pelletts founded Newflora, LLC as the exclusive agent for Kordes Roses in the US and Canada. On their property, approximately 2200 cultivars go through extensive, multi-year field trials. The Pelletts are committed to propagating no-spray, disease-resistant roses with all trials conducted without fungicides. Locals rave about their Old Stage Farmstand selling organic peaches, nectarines, apples and plums each summer.
Additional gardens on the tour include:
Prince Garden, Medford. This gorgeous garden offers a profusion of colorful hanging baskets plus whimsical artistic details and a restful Koi pond.
Hunt Garden, Medford. A special jewel, carefully planned and planted with everything imaginable (from food to flowers) in a compact space.
Holmes Mansion Garden, Medford. One-of-a-kind, historic, gated, private estate displays gorgeous perennials and flowering trees. (Hospitality Site.)
Leever Garden, Medford. Vistas of the Rogue Valley encircle this diverse acreage that supports native plants and pollinators; hosting a Monarch Way Station.
Caprice Vineyards, right next door to the Pellett property, will provide wine and food (for purchase) and an opportunity to browse their Rolling Hills Alpaca Farm and Boutique. Peruvian Point food truck will be on-site for the event. (Open to the Public – no ticket needed.)
For more Tour information: www.medford-or.aauw.net.