Eleven public and private gardens will be on view in the Old Decatur and Albany historic districts Sunday (May 19, 2019) for the Historic Decatur Garden Tour. The annual tour offers visitors and locals a rare opportunity to explore private gardens that are not generally open to the public. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m., and participating gardens are identified by a tour sign in the front yard.

Gardens on the Historic Decatur Garden Tour range from shaded to sunny and formal to eclectic, each with their own personality. Tour attendees, whether an avid gardener or an amateur, will walk away with landscaping tips, ideas for creative outdoor spaces and inspiration from homeowners who will be on hand sharing their love for nature and gardening. In addition to the private home gardens, the tour will also feature community gardens at Frazier Park, Walden Oaks Park, Old State Bank and Delano Park Rose Garden and Children’s Garden.

Participating gardens include:

In the Old Decatur Historic District —

108 Cherry Street

612 Oak Street

712 Line Street

421 Lafayette Street

Frazier Park (309 Cherry Street)

Walden Oaks Park (corner of Lee and Canal streets)

Old State Bank (925 Bank Street)

In the Albany Historic District —

840 Grant Street

1008 Gordon Drive

1012 Gordon Drive

Delano Park Rose Garden and Children’s Garden (825 Gordon Drive)

Plein air artists planned for Gordon Drive residences

Westminster Presbyterian Church (801 Jackson Street) will serve as tour headquarters and will be open for information and refreshments. Musicians from Decatur Youth Symphony will provide entertainment, and the Morgan County Master Gardeners will host a plant sale. Experienced gardeners will have an “ask a master gardener” table to answer questions.

At 2 p.m. at the church, there will be a presentation and demonstration on edible container gardens by Allyson Shabel, Urban Regional Extension Agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Shabel graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture in 2000, then spent 10 years working at the Huntsville Botanical Garden as a horticulturist and nursery manager. She currently works with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System as the Urban Regional Extension Agent for home grounds and natural resources in Morgan and Lawrence counties.

In addition to the presentation, Shabel will also be available to answer questions. The container garden assembled during the presentation will be given away to someone in attendance, compliments of Master Gardeners and the Extension office.

The Historic Decatur Garden Tour is free and self-guided. Walking/driving tour maps will be available at Westminster Presbyterian Church on the day of the tour. Public restrooms will be available at Old State Bank and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The city of Decatur has two separate historic districts, both of which are listed in the National Register of Historical Places. Combined, the Old Decatur and New Albany Historic Districts represent one of the largest collections of Victorian and early 20th century craftsman and bungalow homes in Alabama. The homes date back, in some instances, to the early 1800’s, while most were constructed around the turn of the 20th century.

(Photo courtesy of Delano Park Rose Garden)