The much needed rain ended and clouds made way to sunshine for the first annual Symphony of Gardens Tour on May 4 and 5. More than 300 garden enthusiasts toured lovely, meticulous gardens and viewed plants, known and new and fascinating designs amidst the camaraderie of fellow gardeners.

This event was made possible by the generosity of garden owners who opened their gates as a public service. Many thanks to each owner, many of whom spent time marking plants and conducted tours through their gardens. Also, it wouldn’t have happened without the dedicated volunteers from Grow Natchez Gardens, Inc. who spent countless hours planning, organizing and running the tour. They are: Dr. Robert Barnes, John Bergeron, Sara Blackburn, Gail Healy, Lucy Miller, Martha Jay Owens, Robin Punches, Lani Riches and Dee Shields. The gracious members of the Pilgrimage and Natchez gardens clubs who served as volunteers during the two days of the tour also made important contributions. A huge thank you goes to the Natchez Convention and Visitor’s Bureau which provided financial and advisory support, especially by assigning Stratton Hall to serve as an advisor and liaison. Hard-working volunteers from the Adams County Master Gardens conducted a remarkable plant sale and dispensed gardening wisdom, too.

Financial contributions made possible the creation of brochures, posters, Internet Web sites and the like. Britton & Koontz, Concordia and United Mississippi Banks each made generous donations. We are also grateful to Fred’s Greenhouse, Stine’s and Upton Nursery for their financial donations. Natchez Markets through Barry Loy, and various individuals also made contributions.

Contributions of time and talent were much appreciated and our sincere thanks go to Glenn Owens, the talented designer with The Godwin Group, Jackson, who created our brochure and web pages. Robin Punches and Sim Mosby each contributed valuable consultation for our organizational efforts. Sincere gratitude goes to Sara Blackburn and the Natchez Festival of Music for enthusiastic support of a new event. The beauty of the Monmouth gardens provided a gracious setting for stirring performances by Jim Moore and Tynan Davis with Donna Schaffer as accompanist. The serene setting of Cottage Gardens enhanced the moving presentations by Rebecca Spence and Corey Trahan, also accompanied by Donna Schaffer. And the lovely ladies of Musica Divina enchanted visitors at Barnes House.

And to each person who purchased a ticket and attended, we are deeply grateful.

For you T-shirt fans, there are still Symphony of Gardens T-shirts (and sun visors) for sale at the visitor’s center. We are now planning the 2008 Symphony of Gardens Tour so mark your calendars for May 2 and May 3, 2008. Our intent is to showcase different gardens. If anyone would like to be considered for inclusion in the garden tour, please contact me at 601-304-1007. Please do so as soon as possible because garden selection process is under way.

Karen Dardick is president of Grow Natchez Gardens, Inc.