Tired of snooping around other peoples' fences to sneak a peek at their garden? Thanks to the Friends of the Hailey Public Library, you no longer have to do that.
The Hailey Public Library holds its annual garden tour Saturday, June 28. Participants tour a number of gardens in the Hailey area to help raise money for the library. This year the tour takes place in the Deerfield area of Hailey, east of downtown next to Quigley Canyon. It will feature eight unique, breathtaking gardens.
The first stop of the tour is the Dargatz grounds, where the owner has created the ultimate outdoor atrium. The garden is wrapped in a blanket of trees that includes such unusual species as a crabapple tree ringed with geraniums and an amur maakia. This small tree is a Manchurian native of the pea family and blooms in the late summer.
Next is the garden of Bill and Gayle Sullivan. Despite the high-desert climate, the Sullivans have made one extraordinary garden. See Jackmani and blue trumpet clematis, and learn how to grow lettuce from a master. Gayle has made an extensive herb and lettuce garden with raised soil beds, which have managed to flourish despite the spring's cool temperatures.
After the Sullivans', head to the house of Nina Steffens and Bob Brock. A professional gardener, Steffens had her work cut out for her when she purchased her house in 2000. There were only four trees, seven shrubs and an inadequate irrigation system. Now, thanks to Steffens' landscape design, Steffens and Brock have a perfect place for outdoor dining. There are also edible strawberry plants as well as a dwarf yellow iris, which was given to Steffens by Sepp Froelich, one of the first ski instructors Averill Harriman brought from Europe to Sun Valley Resort.
Next up is the garden of Howard and Carol Knight. Their garden was started 25 years ago when the Knights first dug a pond to provide irrigation. What emerged was a garden complete with perennial plantings, hedges and mowed trails among the trees. It is much like a crafted walk in the woods. In the words of the Knights' son, "This isn't a garden. It's a park."
Make sure not to miss the garden retreat of Kate Rosekrans. A former resident of Bellevue, Rosekrans moved most of her plants from her old house to a new house. She is especially proud of her tree peonies, her annual sweet peas and her amazingly fragrant roses.
Then there is the yard of John and Claudia Gaeddert. After some hard work, they managed to create a new orchard with 42 trees, a cozy fire pit and an expansive soccer field for the kids. Their home also boasts what is rumored to be the largest crabapple tree in Hailey.
Next to last is the plot of Deb and Dave Town. Deb is a garden professional who has worked hard to grow plants that are marginal for the Wood River Valley. The Towns also have a greenhouse, a charming tool shed and Fuji apple trees.
Last but not least is the home of Lili Simpson and Ned Wheeler. These two renovated a barn into a house 13 years ago. They also made a circle-themed vegetable garden irrigated with a drip system invented by the Amish. The garden, which uses no pesticides or herbicides, is intended for humans and animals. Even the elderberry bushes are left unprotected, making it truly a Hailey Garden of Eden.
In addition to seeing some of the valley's best outdoor creations, avid gardeners and green thumbs alike will be supplied with a plethora of ideas for garden improvements. Learn how to decrease water use, increase habitat for wild birds, create welcoming outdoor living spaces, and take on the toughest topographical challenges.
Hailey Garden Tour
Tickets are only available on the day of the tour. Tourists are encouraged to walk or bike between gardens. For those who are unfamiliar with the area, the library suggests starting at the Hailey Public Library, on the corner of Croy Street and Main Street. All proceeds benefit the Hailey Public Library: 788-2036.
Carbonate Mountain looms over the garden of Deb and Dave Town, framed by a crabapple tree in full bloom.
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