By Mary Owen
Five area gardens will be featured by the Lyons Garden Club at its first Garden and Quilt Tour.
“The tour is self-guided and can be started at whatever house you choose,” Jerri Snyder, coordinator and garden club member, said. “We’ll also feature a display of quilts from the Canyon Baptist Quilt Group and a plant sale at one of the homes.”
The Garden and Quilt Tour will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and include a guide to the featured gardens. Tickets are available at: Santiam Chapel Assembly of God, 440 5th St., Lyons; Canyon Bible Fellowship, 446 Cedar St., Lyons; Mehama Community Church, 11336 Morris St., Mehama; and Mehama True Value Hardware Store, 11267 Grove St., Mehama.
“Lyons Garden Club members will also have tickets to purchase,” Snyder said.
She loves gardening – and loves getting fresh air and exercise.
“Lots of vitamin D and satisfaction,” she said. “My favorite plant would be hydrangeas!”
According to Snyder, the Lyons Garden Club is the oldest in the state of Oregon, with its roots going back almost 100 years.
The Lyons Garden Club grew out of a women’s club whose members made quilts together for the American Red Cross during World War I. In 1950-51, the club changed its name to what it remains today, but members never changed their desire to help the community.
Over the years, members placed garbage barrels around town for public use. They planted decorative trees along Main Street and maintained a small flower garden. They also provided flower urns and benches for the local fire department, sponsored a Christmas light concert in town, and collected books for Lyon’s first library.
“If we hear of something that needs done around the community, something we can contribute to, we do that,” said Jean Evett.
According to Evett, the club used to sponsor an annual bus tour until the cost of renting the bus got too high, and field trips were pared down to local excursions.
Members meet at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month in the Lyons Fire department’s conference room. Guest speakers and field trips are enjoyed by more than 30 members, Snyder said.
“Gardening is always evolving, and yards are beautiful during every season,” she said. “Late summer and early fall has a lot going on, such as dahlias, roses, mums, hydrangeas, and black-eye Susan asters.”
The gardens can be seen on the tour by presenting a ticket to the hostess at each home.
“When folks buy a ticket, they will get the addresses and map at that time,” Snyder said.
All proceeds will benefit the local food bank, Joseph Storehouse.
“This event is just one way we wanted to give back to the community,” Snyder said.
For more information or to join, call Snyder at 503-859-2896.
