The Second Street Neighborhood Association presents the 16th Annual Old Louisville “Hidden Treasures” Garden Tour Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The walking tour will feature ten gardens and a coach house in the Garvin Gate-Central Park area of the Old Louisville Historic Preservation District, along with the seventh annual Art in the Garden event sponsored by The DuPont Mansion B&B. This year’s Art in the Garden poster artist is Donna Chancellor. Fifty copies of the limited-edition 2009 Art in the Garden poster signed and numbered by the artist will be available for purchase. Art in the Garden features local artists painting in The DuPont Mansion B&B garden, 1317 S. 4th St., from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm both days of the tour.
Highlights of this year’s tour include examples of container gardening, a variety of water features, an Asian theme, a young fern garden, a cottage garden that incorporates flower and vegetable beds, and a garden designed to be totally edible.
Visitors may enjoy complimentary refreshments and participate in a silent auction in Haskins Hall at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. On the lawn of Haskins Hall, vendors will offer garden plants and other items for sale. Comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing are recommended. Expect a few steps at each location. Cold drinking water is available at each garden.
The Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour recognizes the talents and efforts of garden owners and the fact that their dedication to fine landscaping contributes to the quality of life for all in the neighborhood. These gardens of high caliber and originality display urban landscapes that help to reduce air and noise pollution and lower summer temperatures. Such landscaping complements the aesthetics of the beautiful Victorian architecture and inspires beginning gardeners to create further green spaces.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on days of the tour. Tickets may be purchased on line at the secure www.oldlouisvillegardentour.com website. Advance discount tickets may be obtained through July 10 by contacting the Old Louisville Information Center in Central Park (1340 S 4th St., Louisville, KY 40208; Phone: 502-635-5244; or e-mail: OLNC@bellsouth.net) cash, check, or Visa/MC accepted. Advance discount tickets may be obtained also at the Old Louisville Visitors Center at 218 West Oak Street (502 637 2922; open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 to5) cash or check only. For information on a special rate of $11 per ticket for groups of 10 or more, please contact Mary at 502-214-0477 or 502-762-6902. Tickets purchased in advance or on site should be picked up, along with maps, at the sales table in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 Saint James Court at Magnolia Ave. Tickets are good for both days of the tour. Each ticket gives $1 off admission for a Conrad-Caldwell House tour and $5 off a purchase at the Plant Kingdom. These offers are valid through December 31, 2009. No rain dates or refunds. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Second Street Neighborhood Association’s efforts to enhance the entire Old Louisville Historic Preservation District.
On Friday, July 10, at 7:00 pm, the Pink Palace will host a special Garden Tour Preview Gala wine and cheese party with live music to benefit the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a corporate table and may be purchased through the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (502) 636-5023; info@conradcaldwell.org.
