The Albert Lea Art Center’s Art and Garden Tour will be held from 4-8 p.

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Art and Garden Tour will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 13, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 14.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 the day of the tour. Tickets are available at all three Andersen Hallmark stores, at the Art Center, and at Hartland Greenhouse. Friday includes refreshments and entertainment. Saturday includes lunch at the Art Center. The tour guide ticket must be presented at the Albert Lea Art Center for lunch.

This year, all homes on the tour are located in Shoreland Heights. People are urged to park along the park located between Ridge Road and The Fairway. &uot;We’re hoping people will take advantage of the opportunity to walk the route,&uot; said Jane Arends, one of the event’s organizers. &uot;It’s a mile and a half.&uot;

The tour includes the following homes:

*&160;114 The Fairway: Eldren & Nancy Minks.

Welcome to the garden of nationally recognized hosta growers hybridizers. Our hosts have over 750 hosta varieties and continue to add more each year. Look for the hostas that they have developed. A special guest at the Minks’ home is Hans Hansen, a hosta researcher at Shady Oaks in Waseca.

*&160;111 The Fairway: Jane Klang

The newly landscaped front yard by Wedge Nursery includes shrubs and perennials, a new front stoop and renovated front facade on the house. The curved beds soften the straight lines of the traditional colonial style home and are designed for easy care. The backyard patio is her special place to relax and enjoy the flowers. Watercolor artist Barb Butler will exhibit her art in this garden.

*&160;111 South Lane: David and Carol Larson

A simple garden near the front door of this contemporary home provides a serene setting for the visitor and the homeowners. The side garden was planned to provide a pleasing view for neighbor Jane Johnson, who help plant it. South Lane residents enjoy the roadside garden as they drive by.

*&160;115 Lee Place: Dick and Pat Freese

South Lane walkers can enjoy the fragrance of lilies and ground covers that control the slopes of the backyard. As you walk around to the front, look for the front entry with its stone stoop by Dick. Then walk to their backyard retreat for the results of their garden teamwork. Artist Jim Wegner is exhibiting in this garden.

*&160;213 Lee Place: Gar and Sheri Petersen

The flowers and shrubs that beautifully define the entry way and parking area provide pleasing views for all seasons from the inside of the house. The homeowners are now working on the lakeside slope, which you can see when driving around the lake.

*&160;215 Lee Place: Fred and Sheryl Doyle

Using perennials, roses and shrubs with mulch, the Doyles have reduced the time and energy to maintain their yard. Like other homeowners, they have made efforts to provide a pleasing backyard for their neighbors across the street.

*&160;210 Lee Place: Steve and Linda Lund

Tucked behind the tall evergreen is a special space shared with their neighbors. Their own cottage-style garden gives them a place for relaxation.

*&160;208 Lee Place: Dewey and Jan Birkhofer

By combining their ideas and resources these neighbors have created a wonderful space between their homes that compliments both homes.