Annual garedn tour shares homeowners’ creativity

Some homes have tiny gardens, others sit amid large spaces. Smaller yards at newer homes provide unique landscaping challenges while older homes may have larger yards with challenges of their own.

Celebrating the diversity of gardens in the area, The Green Valley Gardeners present The Annual Green Valley Garden Tour on April 11. For the first time, all properties are close to the far north shopping area. This year, five gardens may be toured, three with an acre or more, and located in the Valle Verde Del Norte neighborhood. The other two, with smaller spaces, are in the La Joya Verde development.

Feel of Old Mexico

The first garden is owned by a young couple who have spent hours updating their large home as well as renovating the garden space. Julie Rowe is rightfully proud of the “copper penny” paint color chosen for her formerly all-white ranch house. The front courtyard is reminiscent of old Mexico, with its large splashing fountain buried in colorful flowers.


Husband Steve can tell you how many tons of new gravel he moved, one wheelbarrow at a time, around the grounds. Although still in the workforce and often traveling internationally, this couple has been motivated to find time and energy to beautify their space.

Formerly surrounding the sprawling house was mostly creosote forest. Now, many old-growth native mesquites, cholla, prickly pear and creosote remain, along with new cacti, agave and desert willows. This property is a combination of an “old west” ranch and a stylish, modern homestead of today.

Creativity and comfort

Just two doors away, the garden of Chuck and Dana Parsons is an example of what creativity and recyclables can do to liven up a space in only a bit over three years. This garden is really two gardens: one of winding paths through real desert and the other a sophisticated patio and pool, perfect for upscale entertaining.

These homeowners have created colorful surprises around every bend on their desert paths, including artwork made from old concrete pieces, found tile, used furniture and lots of bright paint. Under a picturesque old mesquite tree hangs a large hammock, beside which are two smaller “doggie beds” for poodles Maggie and Kiwi. Touches like this show that these homeowners have put much thought and energy into their space.

Inside a brick wall is another world, this one more Mediterranean in mood. Centering the rosey brick patio is a beautiful pool. Here Chuck, a Master Gardener, has rose bushes, palm trees, pyracantha, oleander, nandina, a large African sumac shade tree, herbs, bloom-filled containers, and a seasonal vegetable garden.

An architect’s touch

A block north is the beautiful garden of Sherrie and Hershel McGriff. Sherrie is an architect and the curved lines and grace of this property show her specialty. She has chosen a landscape design to provide outdoor views from the living areas within the home.

Around this interesting property, a number of large mineral-filled boulders catch the eye, while areas of green groundcover and turf grass islands lend a softness. Manicured paths lead around the home to a desert view of old native mesquite trees lining a large arroyo. Inside the rear patio wall are a sparkling outdoor kitchen, peaceful patio, bright container plants and welcoming pool. Like the other two large properties, this one demonstrates both the natural desert and the carefully planned entertainment area near the home.

A tough piece of land

Welcomed by a native blue palo verde tree, entry to the property of Jack and Pat Ferderer leads into a shady front patio. A perfect spot for late-day gatherings, the quiet area includes barbecue and a picturesque tiled bar. This uniquely shaped lot presented challenges for the homeowners. Folks with pie-shaped lots may want to take a close look at this site.

The backyard focal point at this site is a large waterfall with a fish pond surrounded by small palms, ornamental grasses and rosemary mounds. The biggest challenge has been to keep the visiting blue heron away from the fish. Water-loving plants creating hiding places for the koi seem to be the best solution so far.