The Pemberville Friends of Library Garden Tour 2021 will allow visitors to enjoy five gardens in the area. The gardens on the tour are at the homes of:
- Greg & Lisa Whitacre, 4490 Devils Hole Road, Pemberville
- Matt & Holly Chappuies, 5387 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville
- Gary & Deb Krukemyer, 14570 New Rochester Road, Pemberville
- Rick & Lisa Meyer 16310 North River Road, Pemberville
- Bob & Marcia Mazur 160 Joyce Ave., Pemberville
The tour will take place on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rain date on Sunday, July 11, The library will handle calls concerning a possible rain date during hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 419-287-4012.
The cost to join in the tour is a $10 donation. Tickets can be purchased at the library starting or at each individual home the day of the tour.
The tour will be observing COVID protocols. Masks are recommended and social distancing should be observed.
The Whitacres are looking forward to sharing their five acres of land that had little or no landscaping in 1995. An estimated 85% of their plants and flowers were from friends and family. Their “Hidden Acres” includes a waterfall pond, woodland areas, perennial beds as well as a vegetable garden. Their dream outdoor setting is offset by natural field stone outlines. Each year brings a new look.
The Chappuies home also began as a small native woods over 20 years ago. They specialize in nothing particular – if they like it, they keep it. Their garden constantly evolves, and they move plants around frequently which brings them happiness. They have a mulched path that leads to a bridge where their oldest son was baptized before the house ever existed. Enjoy the beer garden, the natural woodland settings with a variety of ornamental trees, grasses, Hosta plants, water irises, roses, astilbe, lilies, and a variety of cutting gardens.
The Krukemyers’ gardens began in a bare backyard 39 years ago. They planted maple saplings from the family farm. Also, on Arbor Day their three daughters brought home pine tree saplings which are still there. Along with the many trees, over 300 hosta plants and 25 rose bushes are now featured in their gardens. Flowers surround the entire house with flowers assuring color over eight months of the year.
The Meyers live along the Portage River where they enjoy being outside year-round. Many themes dominate their gardens including roses, rocking chairs, a colorful pollinator bed, an arbor, a paver pathway leading to annuals, and perennials. Family members have offered starts for many beds as well as peonies. There is a rustic feel by the barn, a Key West vibe by the pond, and a square foot vegetable garden. If you choose to stroll in the woods along the river, you may spot bald eagles, turtles, herons, and kayakers.
The simple gardens of the Mazurs are focused around time spent with family and friends. Over the years the grandchildren have enjoyed the pool and play area that was incorporated with the landscaping. They spend many hours enjoying the pool, watching the birds and helping with the gardening. Friends have supplied transplants for many perennials which have added beauty from early spring to late fall. They have tried to add as much color as possible to enhance the greenery. Their patio is an outdoor extension for entertaining, and enjoying the yard with quiet reflection.
