Get inspired at garden tour — and support local artists

Across the region flowers are in bloom and gardens are showing off the very best they have to offer.

On June 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven gardens featuring imaginative garden décor and beautiful plantings will be on view during the DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association Garden Tour. 

This is the sixth such tour for the neighborhood located five minutes north of downtown Dayton.

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A variety of housing styles populate the neighborhood including Tudor Revival, mid-century ranches, stone cottages, and mini-estates in the woods.

Neighborhood amenities include the Dayton Playhouse, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and its Children’s Discovery Garden, Jim Nichols Tennis Courts, the DeWeese Parkway walking path and the River Corridor Bikeway.

The neighborhood, which contains approximately 600 homes, is bound by the Stillwater River to the west, North Dixie Drive to the east, Ridge Avenue to the south and Madrid Avenue to the north.

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"Each garden reflects the personality of its owners. For example, Kevin Tunstall and Mark Brewer’s home is an artist’s retreat that provides plenty of relaxation and inspiration. The garden paths lead you around a unique mid-century modern home with welcoming decks. Kevin is a ceramic and glass artist and his studio will be open for the tour.

J Heilman loves to garden and describes his garden as 'madness.' “It’s a beautiful acre of madness created with numerous found objects, a multitude of plants and trees, and an arboretum-worthy magnolia," said Ann Schenking, member of the DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association Executive Board and the Garden Tour organizing committee.

The self-guided tour will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $10 each; children under age 12 are free. The tour begins at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton.

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"I think the tour could take 2-2½ hours depending on how long one lingers in each garden," Schenking said. "Most visitors will want to drive from garden to garden. While in the same neighborhood, some of the gardens are separated from each other by a few blocks. Biking from garden to garden is doable."

In concert with the garden tour, the neighborhood’s annual Art in the Garden Affaire will also be held on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2919 Ensley Ave. The event is a few blocks from the last stop on the garden tour.

"The Art Affaire serves complimentary food and beverages. We have some wonderful raffles, including original artwork, and this year, a 'Night on the Town' with some wonderful restaurant gift cards, and two season tickets to the Dayton Playhouse for the 2018-19 season," said Carlene Maynes, the DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association’s Arts Ambassador and the founder of the Art Affaire.

Maynes estimates around 30 local artists will be participating with work on view.

"The garden tour and Art Affaire are great ways to experience a slice of our beautiful neighborhood. On the garden tour, visitors can gather gardening ideas and marvel at the gardening efforts of our garden hosts. At the Art Affaire, visitors can support our local artist community and enjoy some free food and drink," said Schenking.

Contact this contributing writer at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com. 

WANT TO GO?

What: DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association Garden Tour and Art in the Garden Affaire

When: Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Seven homes in the DeWeese Ridgecrest neighborhood. The tour begins by at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton.

Cost: Tickets are $10 each; children under age 12 are free. Funds raised from the garden tour are used to support the activities of the DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association. On the day of the tour, tickets can be purchased at the tour table at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.

More information: Call Geni Thurin at 937-902-8784 or visit www.deweeseridgecrest.weebly.com.

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