Samaritan Counseling Center in Bainbridge is sponsoring a Spring Garden Tour on Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two of Bainbridge’s outstanding home gardens, that of Edward and Tonya Reynolds and the other of Lee Ann and Glenn Heard, will be featured.

You may ask, Why a Spring Garden Tour? Bainbridge is fortunate to have many beautiful gardens and folks who love sharing them with others. As you walk along on the tour, you will connect with each gardener’s passion and learn the history of each. For instance, the Reynolds home garden reflects the gardening passion of owner Edward—a love he inherited from his mother “Sug” Reynolds, who was known throughout the city for her gardening skills. Her gardens were featured in a Bainbridge Living magazine a couple of years ago.

Edward, his wife Tonya and their three children now make their home and garden on a four-acre lot on Lake Douglas previously owned by Bernard and Evelyn Nussbaum, who were close friends of his parents. Their original landscaping included century-old oaks and mature azaleas, with 60 foot tall Japanese magnolias and a stunning view of Lake Douglas. 

Edward was eager to work with the home and garden when they purchased the property in 2010. He went to work on a landscape design that would maximize the many assets of the property while adding a more formal garden structure. He says he drew inspiration from scenic wallpaper in the house that depicted South Carolina plantation scenes.

Like all gardens, the Reynolds garden is constantly evolving. He has recently added a brick wall and reworked the plantings in a side yard that had changed from a shade garden to one with sun due to the loss of a large tree.

An added attraction for the event will be a guest speaker, James Farmer, noted author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling garden book, A Time to Plant.

Southern born and bred, James is a nephew of Sally Bates. He is a professional gardener, floral and interior designer; cook, author and lifestyle expert. He will be selling and signing his books at the end of his lectures.

Ticket costs are $30 for a tour of gardens only, and $50 for the tours, plus the presentation by Farmer. He will speak at the Firehouse Gallery from 1 to 2 p.m. before holding a book signing at Bainbridge Pharmacy from 2 to 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at Bainbridge Pharmacy and from the Samaritan Counseling Center.

When you purchase a ticket for this year’s fundraiser, you are giving to many individuals and families who may not be able to take advantage of the quality, professional counseling services offered by the Samaritan Counseling Center, due to an inability to pay. It is extremely important that the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia is able to continue offering these services. The proceeds from the tour will help assist those services.