Private garden tours have been an important part of the annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival, but Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction wreaked havoc on many of the area’s most beautiful ones, causing organizers to adjust focus this year.
“We made the decision quickly after the storm. Many of the gardens will suffer long-term effects. What needed our attention was the public gardens. There are so many pretty ones,” said Millie Huff, Sacred Heart executive director of the event scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26. Go here for ticket information.
One of the gardens on the tour is the Sacred Heart courtyard which didn’t see a lot of storm damage.
Other public spaces include the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences, Pendleton King Park, Reed Creek Nature Park in Columbia County, Billie’s Butterfly Garden in North Augusta and the Augusta Sculpture Trail.
The festival is also partnering with Pendleton King Park for its annual plant sale, which will be on Saturday, she said.
The private gardens were the focal point of last year’s festival with other pieces such as the vendor showcase omitted, but Huff said vendors are returning this year because of feedback from festival patrons who said they enjoyed that part.
In addition, several speakers are planned for both days. Some will speak on gardening post-hurricane.
Campbell Vaughn, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, will speak at 10:15 a.m. Friday about “Replacing and Caring for Trees After Helene;” Michael Seiwert, Designer and Owner of Signature Interiors, will speak at noon Friday about “Spring Refresh of Your Outdoor and Indoor Spaces,” and Jeff Tilden, Landscape Designer, will speak at 2 p.m. on ”Embracing the Sun in a Formerly Shady Garden.”
On Saturday, Gerald Stephens, Landscape Designer, VP of Nurseries Caroliniana, will speak at 10:15 a.m. on “Planting for Success in Recovering Gardens;” he will also have books and plants to sell;
Jenks Farmer, Garden Designer and Horticulturist, will speak at noon on “Pros, Cons & Plants for Quick Summer Meadows.” He will have bulbs and plants to see; the Georgia Native Plant Society will make a presentation at 2 p.m. on “Going and Growing Native: Sustainable Landscaping and Avoiding Invasives,” and at 4 p.m. Stephanie Stuckey, Chair, Stuckey’s Corporation, will bring “Grace in the Growing: Cultivating your Brand (and your Spirit).” Stuckey’s will have pop-up sampling of their pecan products from 3-4 p.m.
In addition, there will be an “Ask A Master Gardener” table and children’s activities
New this year is a partnership with local artists through ArtZilla. Artists will paint live during the event.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
