By Pat Morton
Special to the Record-Courier
A garden tour spanning five weeks is coming this summer in Portage County.
One $15 ticket includes 14 different gardens: four on June 6, six on June 27 and four on July 11. Planned by the Kent Historical Society, the idea for three dates came about because of the often-dramatic differences in late spring and early summer gardens. The ticket should be kept for admittance to gardens on all three dates.
The June 6 gardens feature late-blooming spring wild flowers, shady and woodland gardens, trees and shrubs, plus early perennials and annuals, an amazing waterfall and beautiful lake views.
The June 27 gardens offer a surprising variety for tour participants: wonderful roses, herb gardens, perennial gardens bordering tranquil wooded areas, creative use of a tiny city lot, natural as well as man-made ponds and other water features, informal cottage gardens and a serene Japanese garden – each one equally inviting.
July 11 tour participants will be welcomed by four established summer gardens. One features a quiet walking path around a lake (you are invited to follow it) with flowing perennial gardens on several acres; two others surround historic Kent homes, each with surprise gardens and other focal points tucked away from view by passersby; and one is a most inviting combination of Clematis, Wisteria, colorful annuals, old-fashioned perennials and a path leading to a peaceful meditation area in the woods.
Nine Kent area restaurants are offering a variety of specials for garden tour participants on tour dates: The Pufferbelly Restaurant & Bar, Franklin Square Deli, The Rusty Nail, Ray’s Place, Wild Goats Cafe, Anthony’s Cafe & Cakes, Digger’s Bar & Grill, Riverside Wine & Imports, and the Backerei. Participants should have their tickets (programs) ready to show restaurant staff.
Garden tour tickets are now available at the following locations: in Kent at the Kent Historical Society, 234 S. Water St.; Home Savings Bank, 142 N. Water St.; Sue Nelson Designs, 156 S. Water St.; in Ravenna at Home Savings Bank, 100 E. Main St.; and in Brimfield at Home Savings Bank, 4023 S.R. 43.
The self-guided garden tours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Saturday tour dates. In the event of inclement weather, the tours will be the following day (Sundays) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Because each of the garden tour yards is different, with landscapes that include uneven and/or sloping terrain, narrow pathways and multiple sets of steps, the Kent Historical Society is unable to offer handicap accessibility for this event. For additional information call 330-678-2712 or 330-678-5671.