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Ripon Garden Club Hosts Annual Stroll
GArden

Crisp mornings and cooling Delta breezes help us feel like fall is in the air. And that means only one thing – the Ripon Garden Club’s annual September Stroll is right around the corner.

On Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ripon Garden Club has once again selected some fabulous gardens in Ripon to showcase to the public. Enjoy refreshments, a silent auction, and a chance to win one of dozens of prizes at a drawing located at one of the gardens.

Six gardens are featured this year located throughout the city. Yards feature intimate eating areas, areas for family fun, landscaping with a pool, edible delights, and old fashioned country gardens. Drought tolerant landscaping is highlighted in several yards, showing us how to be water wise without being boring.

Two gardens located in the Spring Creek neighborhood have benefited from extensive “re-dos”. A giant pepper tree (complete with multiple bees hives) was removed in one yard to open up the space for entertaining. Now four grandchildren create the buzz during lively pool parties. Another home features all the activities a young, active family could want, from a pool and spa to a game area for ping pong and corn hole. A fire pit is perfect for roasting marshmallows after the sun goes down.

In the middle of town is a lovely Arts and Craft style home built in 1923, complete with a barn and other out buildings. A bubbling rock stream, hand crafted by the owner, completely masks any street noise. Be sure to check out the flower “bed” in an old iron bed frame.

The other side of town is the location for the remaining three homes. A large yard entices one homeowner to host multiple parties throughout the year, including an annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and a Halloween haunted McMansion. Pottery throughout this yard contributes to the sense of fun with a riot of color and texture.

The remaining two homes are located across from each other, but they couldn’t be more different. One is a sleekly modern design with a Jacuzzi, pool, and raised fire pit. Olive bushes across the back add textural interest as well as privacy. A young family lives here and large family gatherings are a constant priority. Crossing the street, a formal entrance with a dry creek bed, an olive tree and Spring Grove trees beckon you to take a closer look. The backyard is intensively landscaped, with spaces for growing succulents, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Be sure you see the mile signs, a gift from their son, highlighting their travels. The garage area in this house will host the refreshments, drawing, and silent auction.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for children under 12. No strollers, please.

Buy tickets in Ripon at Schemper’s Ace Hardware, Parks Greenhouse Nursery, and Silverado Nursery. In Manteca, New Buds Nursery and Rain Forest Nursery carry tickets. In Escalon, buy at P & L Nursery; in Riverbank, at Morris Nursery; in Modesto, at Westurf Nursery; and in Turlock at The Greenery.

Garden Tour proceeds are returned to the Ripon community through college scholarships, elementary school gardens, Ripon downtown planters, and the butterfly garden at Stouffer Park. Artwork on the cover of this year’s ticket was done by Chloe Kiser, a student at Ripon High School.

Attendees are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes for strolling on uneven terrain.