Members of The Tri-State Rose Society of Chattanooga are opening wide the gates of their private gardens to the public on Mothers’ Day weekend: Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14.
Up to eight gardens will be featured from all over the greater metropolitan area, including St. Elmo, Hixson, East Brainerd, Middle Valley, Ooltewah and Soddy Daisy.
A favorite garden from past tours is that of Jeff and Cindy Garrett, who have been promoting the rose both locally and on a national level. Their home in Soddy Daisy, 2049 Linwood Ave., is situated on the lake. The centerpiece of the garden is a beautifully landscaped koi pond with hundreds of rose bushes to complete the picture.
The self-guided tour is made easier due to the common use of GPS. A complete list of gardens and locations will be released May 1, at which time the list will also be posted on www.chattanoogarose.org.
The local society is one of the most vibrant and active in the country, said officials. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the North River Civic Center at 7 p.m. and visitors are welcome. The society exists “to encourage and create interest in the growing of roses, and to foster a better understanding of their cultivation.
The tour hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 12-5 p.m. on Mother’s Day.
There is no charge for the self-guided tour, however donations to the Tri-State Rose Society will be accepted. Garden sponsors are currently being sought for $250 per garden. Contact rirjeff@aol.com for more information.