As the winter weather moves in, Michigan lawn and garden enthusiasts retreat from the flower beds and vegetable rows to rest, rejuvenate, and plan for next year’s garden glory. Tis the season for seed catalogs and windowsill container gardening! Eventually, winter will give way to spring and gradually, our woodlands, roadsides and landscapes are painted with greenery. What a treat for Michigan gardeners after another refreshing winter!
This winter, the Jackson County Master Gardener Association (JCMGA) is enthusiastically preparing for June 2020, not just because we want to get our gloves dirty, but because we are hosting a garden tour in Jackson, MI! On Saturday, June 27th, 2020 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, eight Jackson homeowners will open their private, residential gardens to the public. The Young People of Purpose (YPOP) will also share their community children’s garden, and we are including a bonus pollinator garden tour! Each garden will be staffed with JCMGA tour guides who are knowledgeable of the landscape, and homeowners will be present to address questions. The inspiration opportunities for hard and softscape design, tree and plant selection, location and pairing are endless with this rare glimpse into the beautiful front and backyards of Jackson residents. Please mark you calendars! 
Presale tickets will be just $8.00 per person, and they make perfect gifts for the garden lovers in your life! The garden tour will proceed, rain or shine, and all ticket sales benefit Jackson County beatification and education initiatives. JCMGA is a non-profit organization under section 501 (c)(3). Please find us on Facebook or contact Sarah Hite for more information as the tour date approaches. Stay tuned for information on our vendor market! As a sneak preview, please enjoy these enchanted garden photographs captured by JCMGA’s own Robert Basore at a few the gorgeous properties included in the 2020 tour. These gardens are guaranteed to impress and inspire gardeners ranging from novice to expert.
Written by Sara Hite, hitesara@msu.edu.
My name is Sarah Hite, and I’m a new member of JCMGA. I live and work in Jackson, MI where I garden all summer and dream of flora and fauna all winter. Cheers!
Published 11/25/19