Circle G to blossom with floral splendor
In case 90-degree temperatures sneaked up on you, spring has arrived, signaling the start of the annual garden season.
What better place to celebrate—and pick up some inspiration—than Circle G Ranches, which holds its second annual Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13.
The focus, of course, is on the breathtaking floral and landscaping array evident in this luxury community, which encompasses 165 custom homes south of Warner Road and west of Price Road.
“It’s one of my absolutely favorite neighborhoods,” says Realtor Carol Royse, one of the sponsors of this year’s tour.
Not only does the event offer a peek at some of the Kyrene Corridor’s most luxurious lifestyles, but benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley, on whose board of directors Royse has served for more than 25 years, including a term as president.
Last year’s charitable walk raised $7,000 for Grandpa Charlie’s, a horticultural therapy garden at The Center for Habilitation for people with disabilities.
This year, says Royse, the tour’s planners have set a goal of $10,000, which is earmarked for the local boys and girls club’s Youth of the Year program.
Garden tour spokeswoman Tina Lawrence says the event will give visitors a close-up look at designs by some of the Valley’s top landscape architects and gardening experts.
In all, 11 homes will be available for viewing as part of the self-guided tour, tickets for which are $10. Contributions are tax deductible.
One home features seven lush acres, a two-acre lake accented with a bridge and life-sized animal bronzes, as well as colorful flowering borders and planters.
Another includes a water feature and plantings that emphasize color while relying heavily on native species.
In addition to viewing spectacular gardens, visitors will have a chance to talk with horticulture and gardening experts about landscaping issues, and representatives of Sur La Table, will be on hand to showcase outdoor entertaining ideas. Light snacks and refreshments by AJ’s Fine Foods and Trader Joe’s will be available at various stops along the tour route.
Tour addresses include 2002, 2075, 2125 and 2173 Ranch Road; 2141 Calle de Arcos; 2017 and 2181 La Vieve Lane; 2005 and 2140 Caroline; 2008 Myrna; and 2127 Knox Road.
There also will be pony and cart rides, photos and an all-day silent auction featuring a variety of items, according to Lawrence.
Tickets may be pre-purchased at the Boys and Girls Club, 1405 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 4, Tempe, or by mailing a check or money order payable to The Boys and Girls Club to Garden Walk, 2007 E. LaVieve Lane, Tempe 85284.
Information is available by calling (480) 820-3688.
