Denton County Master Gardener Association 2024 Annual Garden Tour

Beverly Duncan

Inspiration and education abounded through self-guided tours of five unique Denton County properties located in Flower Mound and Double Oak, including four private gardens and one community garden. Attendees learned about mycology, erosion control, planting within HOA restrictions, and vegetable gardening, plus the importance of trees and planting native perennials in their landscapes. The tour was scheduled during its traditional Mother’s Day weekend date, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The seemingly ordinary HOA-restricted corner lot is anything but at Hidden Gem in Flower Mound. Besides the two large Savannah hollies flanking the front entrance, not a single contractor plant remains! This hidden garden gem has been transformed into a natural gardenscape filled with natives and other sun- and shade-loving perennials.

On this Double Oak property, aptly named Century Oak, you’ll find a little bit of country nestled in the middle of the town under the outreaching arms of a century-old red oak tree. The property creates a diverse, active habitat providing food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife.

Possum Creek in Flower Mound flows throughout this stunning 1.25 acre lot surrounded by rock boulders, mature oak, elm, and cedar trees. Erosion control and proper drainage are the key to the success of this property. Native plants and perennials, including areas for sun and shade, are featured alongside the rambling creek bed.

Also in Flower Mound, Shades of Eden and Art features native and adaptive showstoppers in a carefully curated design. Attendees learned about native perennials, understory plantings, a selection of reseeding annuals, along with vegetables and mushrooms, in a keyhole design. A certified wildlife habitat, this garden features blue bird and owl boxes.

Welcome to Flower Mound First Baptist Community Garden! Garden Tour celebrates the alliance between DCMGA, CCA, and the FMFB Church, along with the surrounding community. The garden donates thousands of pounds of produce yearly to benefit CCA of Denton County. Attendees learned how a diverse array of vegetables and fruit are grown and donated each week benefitting needy families. A CCA truck was on site to collect canned food donations in lieu of an admission fee.

This year’s Fruit, Vegetable, Herb and Flower Show will be held Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Texas Fairgrounds located at 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., in Denton, in the air-conditioned West Wing.

Steven Chamblee will be our keynote speaker! In addition, there will be multiple educational booths to browse. Compete for ribbons and bragging rights! Divisions include adults, children, and Master Gardeners.

Registration for the show will occur between 9 and 10 a.m., with judging starting promptly at 10 a.m. Judging and announcement of winners will be by noon.

Happy Gardening!