Published: May 17, 2008 12:49 am         

Organizers ready for annual garden tour

GREENVILLE — Volunteers spent Friday morning unloading 100 hanging plants.

“They are absolutely gorgeous,” said Anita Farmer, the co-chairman of Hunt County Master Gardener Associations’ Hope Blooms in Hunt County 2008 Garden Tour.

The plants, which Farmer said are unique and not those easily found at local home improvement retailers, will be sold for $10 as a fund-raiser during the Garden Tour today.

The Garden Tour is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a variety of locations around Hunt County.

And perhaps the best news for the planners of the Garden Tour — meteorologists predict good weather.

“We’re so pleased that we’re going to have sunny weather,” Farmer said. “We’re so thrilled about that.”

The Garden Tour will also feature tours of four area gardens — three of which belong to private citizens.

Those who purchase one of the $5 tickets will have access not only to all four gardens, but to a variety of seminars and events. Some of the courses being offered include tips on pruning shrubs, how to catch rain water, and how to properly care for lawn tools, Farmer said. New to the tour this year, is a herb tasting bar with tips on how to best use herbs for those that have a culinary interest, she said. At Hunt County’s Heritage Garden, in addition to the plant sale, there will also be activities for children.

Organizers are expecting a big turn-out and Farmer said advanced ticket sales have gone really well.

“Because of the weather we are expecting a really good turn out,” she said. “It’s the best show in town.”