The Byron and Karen Thada home and garden at 317 Old Mill Trace began as a blank slate with some woods at the back of the property back in 1987, but has since been transformed.
The Thada garden at is one of nine to be on display during the 16th Garden & Arts Tour sponsored by the Flower Lovers Garden Club. The tour will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25 (rain or shine).
“If you’ve been here before, you might notice a few new planting beds and hardscape additions,” Karen said. “Over the years, our garden has evolved to be a mix of perennials and annuals that changes with the seasons. In the spring, hundreds of daffodils are in bloom along with several species of ephemerals in the woods, including bluebells, blood root, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauty, and cutleaf toothwort. Redbuds and cherry tree blossoms add color to the yard. A few tulips brought back from a trip to Holland in 2018 might also be enjoyed if the rabbits don’t get them first!” In May, the dogwoods and an apple tree at their home in the Northridge Addition reach their flowering peaks. Several colors of iris show off in sunnier locations while yellow wood poppies and emerging hosta dominate in the woods. In summer, daylilies, dahlias, cannas, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, hydrangea, ornamental grasses and whatever annuals caught their eye at the greenhouse can be found in bloom (they are especially fond of begonias and coleus).
“While most of our vegetable growing is done at the Community Garden south of town, you might spot some cucumbers on our ‘grow house,’” Karen said.
In the fall, the perennial begonias and asters take center stage while the hydrangea blooms turn a lovely pink and the raspberries give their best fruit. The dogwoods sport red leaves, the sugar maples turn a sunny yellow, and the Thadas hope the newly planted service berry will also add vibrant color to the yard. Even in winter, there is interest in the white branches of the birch tree and the red berries of the hawthorn tree. Then the crocus peak through in February and the cycle begins again.
The featured artist at this garden is Margie Colgan of Ladoga. She makes garden and home art with glass. Look for her creations throughout the garden. Items are available for purchase. Cash or check only.
To purchase tour tickets, visit Progreen Garden Center, Davidson Greenhouse, Country Hearts & Flowers, Milligan’s Flowers, Montgomery County Visitors Bureau, Just Because, Athens Art Gallery and Crawfordsville District Public Library. Athens Art Gallery is a bonus stop on the tour. Tickets are $12 per person (cash or check only) and children age 12 and younger admitted free. Proceeds go towards community beautification.
