York County Master Gardeners host garden tour, plant sale

Romantic spaces, lush plantings and flowering trees and shrubs will highlight the 2015 Master Gardener Garden Tour, in the Shiland Hills neighborhood of Rock Hill, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 25.▪ The tour, sponsored by the Master Gardeners of York County, is a Come-See-Me Festival event. Tickets are $5, available at any of the gardens, or in advance from a member of the Master Gardeners of York County. In case of rain, the tour will be noon-3 p.m. April 26.▪ For more information and a map of the tour, visit gardenwalk.yorkmg.org. From Staff Reports

June and Dick Kay

2643 Ashmore Court

A towering magnolia anchors the front right corner of the lawn and begins a living screen of hollies, ligustrum, aucuba and viburnum. Hydrangeas and crepe myrtles, plus more magnolias, add a formal element to the screening hedge, which ends in a rose garden. On the right rear of the house is a slate patio edged by hollies and peonies, which is entered through a wrought-iron, rose- covered arch. An evergreen clematis covers an arch marking the entrance to a secret woodland garden, which features a loquat tree and a mock orange shrub. Planters, bird feeders and garden ornaments complement this secluded spot. The woodland garden, which showcases palm trees, is home to a variety of hydrangeas, azaleas, camellias and perennials.

Kim and Mike Climer

2646 Carolwood Drive

A walled rear garden, boasting perennial beds and slate paths, provides a soothing refuge. Approached down a mondo-edged path, it features hydrangeas, heritage irises and hostas. A potting area to the left allows the Climers to refresh strategically placed pots. Rosemary, sky pencil hollies, trailing variegated ivy and ivy topiaries fill the pots. From a brick patio, a pea gravel path bordered by boxwoods leads to a wall fountain that adds gentle background music to family gatherings. A tall holly hedge further defines the area and provides privacy.

Laura and Woody Livingston

2658 Carolwood Drive

To the left side, three crepe myrtles, with beautiful cinnamon bark, complement the house. A spring-blooming cherry tree in a bed of ivy graces the front lawn along with a towering oak and several river birches. Azaleas, hollies, Otto Luyken laurel and loropetalum dominate foundation plantings. On the right, a bed of hydrangeas gives way to a rose-covered arbor with a bench, statuary and planters that invite visitors to enjoy the surrounding perennial bed. A variety of manicured hedging plants define the garden perimeter, walkways and brick patio.

Julia and Alan Nichols

2518 Meredith Court

Approached down a long, curving driveway, the front lawn features a Japanese maple in a stone-enclosed bed with prostrate juniper spilling over the edge. Notice the stacked wall, edged by mondo grass, which defines a bed of hostas with several groupings of crepe myrtles. Step down to a beautiful back lawn of moss – an under-utilized ground cover for shady areas – and turf terraced into two areas, separating a patio and screened porch from a large natural area. The latter is sprinkled with hostas, nandinas, a fairy house, seating areas and birdhouses. Lady Banks roses are trellised against the back of the garage. Continuing around the house, follow a slate path bordered by hydrangeas, camellias and azaleas. Note the garden bench, surrounded by a perennial bed edged by boxwoods. Other highlights: The espaliered camellia, an antique garden gate, a bird bath planted with ferns and strategically placed stones to enhance every view.

Russ and Doris McDonald

1830 Overbrook Drive

This woodland hillside garden has evolved into a number of garden rooms. Note the front with azaleas and flowering cherry trees. Mixed plantings of azaleas, hollies and yew, with bright red dwarf nandina, complement the front walk. Step to the top of the drive, where late-blooming red camellias on the left lead into woodland garden spaces defined by ivy, Lenten roses, spring bulbs and other pass-along plants. A garden bench invites you to sit and enjoy. To the right of the drive is a sunken patio, nestled against the house and tucked into the hillside. Confederate jasmine climbs the retaining wall. Strategically placed pots are filled with perennials and summer annuals. A screen of pearl pieris, sky pencil holly, dwarf globe arborvitae and dwarf abelia tops the wall. A Lady Banks rose, draped over an ingenious arbor, beckons you to enter the upper hillside gardens. An azalea screen shields a vegetable garden and a play area.

For information, call Frances Rouse at 803-980-9606.

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 7:01 PM with the headline "York County Master Gardeners host garden tour, plant sale."