Six fall gardens featuring pollinator and wildlife habitat, native plants, butterfly gardens, a lavender field and turtle pond will be in full bloom this weekend at the Miami County Fall Garden Tour.
The tour will be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11. It is hosted by the Marais des Cygnes Extension District Master Gardeners.
The gardens include:
Whispering Elm Farm, 27017 Waverly Road, Paola, KS
This biodynamic farm specializes in culinary and medicinal herbs and elderberries that are pollinated with the help of their honeybees. View the elderberry orchard of 1,400 elderberry bushes. Check out their organic products, high tunnel and herbalist and naturopath educational opportunities.
Turtle Run, 29320 Cedar Niles Road, Paola, KS
Turtle Run has diverse gardening rooms dividing this property’s ecosystems. It is also a pesticide-free wildlife habitat. There are native pawpaw trees, plus native and pollinator host plants. The owner creates unique wood products from trees harvested on their property (which will also be offered for sale). Be on the lookout for the many turtles, including the ornate box turtle, Kansas’ state reptile.
Campbell Highlands, 30456 W 272nd St., Paola, KS
These gardens were developed with an eye for function and design. Learn about gardening on a slope, managing maintenance, erosion and water runoff. The hilltop view offers a glimpse of Hillsdale Lake, a waterfall and model train garden.
Blue Door, 903 N, Broadway, Louisburg, KS
Beneath a canopy of 50-year-old trees, you will find perennial shrubs and annuals that are planted for shade, plus a sculpture gallery and whimsical garden art created by this garden owner.
Hart’s Day Lilies at Thin Wallet Ranch, 7460 W. 255th St., Louisburg ,KS
Walk 40 acres of native forest in a park-like setting of meticulously labeled perennials and daylilies and see owner-created mosaics and metalworks.
Swan’s Water Gardens, 4385 W. 247th St., Louisburg, KS
Swan’s is a water garden destination and a designated Wildlife Habitat. Learn about creating and maintaining water features and ponds. The surrounding gardens feature native plants, a lavender field, a village and a pond that attracts turtles and other wildlife.
Tickets are $15 and good for both days. They can be purchased at each garden site or at the Marais des Cygnes Extension District Office, 913 N Pearl, Suite #1, Paola, KS. For more information, visit Miami County Fall Garden Tour.
Photo: Whispering Elm Farm