Heritage Gardener President Tonya Richardson is known as the “repurposing queen.” Her backyard has been on the club’s Spring Garden tour in the past, and visitors have been delighted to see the wonderful shady garden filled with plants and garden décor. Hurricane Beryl damaged her yard in July, and she had a repurposing challenge that she had not experienced before. She lost a shady yard to have it become a yard with predominantly sun. She took the challenge and now invites everyone to visit her ‘new yard’ in the Heritage Gardener Spring Garden Tour April 26-27.
She and her husband, John, lost five very large trees due to hurricane winds. The bed frame planter had to be repaired and then recovered with plants that tolerate full sun. John built a large greenhouse they used this winter to protect her plants. It is also one of the areas she uses to propagate cuttings as well as pot and store things for her plant sale and yard. They added a large, stunning birdcage gazebo with an antique French fountain. Peggy Martin roses are planted on the trellis sections at each corner. Two new raised beds have been added that contain vegetables and herbs. An archway is designed for vining vegetables such as beans she planted this season.
Tonya is using more native plants now, as she had to replace things lost in the storm. One new plant she’s very excited about this year is the evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata) that is growing on the new larger arbor that John built in 2024 (post-Beryl). The foliage was lost in this year’s freeze, but the vine survived and recently leafed out.
This yard will be educational for gardeners to get ideas as well as a whimsical visit to a large yard filled with amazing, repurposed items and plants enjoying full sun. The theme for the yard is Eclectic Escape.
Tonya and John’s backyard is one of five locations that are part of this year’s Spring Garden Tour. The tour runs from 1–5 pm both Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27.
Other events by the club are also available on both days. A vast plant sale will be held daily at the clubhouse from 9 am to 4 pm. Club members are sharing plants from their gardens and the Briscoe Gardens at the clubhouse. New plants from nurseries are also added.
Any questions about gardening or specific plants can be addressed to a table of Galveston County Master Gardeners, who will be there both days.
A biannual National Garden Club (NCG) Flower Show, Splendor of Spring, will be held inside the clubhouse. The community is invited to see the Horticulture, Design, and Botanical Arts (photography) exhibits. The clubhouse with the show will be open from April 25 from 1–5 pm and April 26-27 from 9 am to 4 pm each day. Admittance is free.
At the same time, the Spring Market will also be underway. Over 40 vendors will be spread out on three properties, including the clubhouse drive and two adjacent areas. A wide variety of items will be offered.
Tickets will be available for the Spring Garden Tour, which showcases private home gardens. Tickets for the tours are available now at the following businesses: Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, Friendswood Frame & Gallery, Silver Bee Boutique, Marrone Market, Phoenix Cleaners, Two Friends Gifts, Wild Birds Unlimited of Pearland, Friendswood Scoop Shop, Blue Goose Plant & House, and One Glance. Club members also have tickets.
The huge springtime events are held at 112 W. Spreading Oaks (behind the library) in Friendswood.
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