The Art & Garden Tour 2013 will be this Friday and Saturday around Albert Lea, plus one garden in Geneva. Read on for more information about all the gardens and artists to be featured:

 

Dan and Kris Donovan

1507 Oakwood Drive

When viewing Fountain Lake from the Donovans’ patio and fire pit, you will agree that they have created the perfect spot to enjoy nature and outdoor living. Enjoy the waterfall and note the dry creek bed that takes advantage of the slope. Look for the incorporation of nature in the wood carvings.

 

Artist: Kenneth Schulties

Photography is his specialty, primarily with nature. He has 30 years of photographs from Albert Lea fireworks. Landscaping was learned through many years of working at the Wedge Nursery. The Donovan’s patio will show his handiwork.

 

Ed and Camille Nelson

402 Vine Avenue

A charming and rustic garden fitting this 1895 house owned since 2001 by the Nelsons. Enjoy the terrace made with reclaimed and found materials. Be prepared for surprises at every turn. You may want to talk to the owners about the challenges of working with sloping landscapes which is their challenge.

 

Artist: Dustin DeBoer

DeBoer is a versatile photographer and teacher who has traveled throughout the United States and abroad to photograph interesting people, wildlife and nature.

 

Nancy Baird Tonding

814 John Ferry Place

Walk into a fantasy land with a lovely outdoor ambiance with the flair of a country English style setting. The style is eclectic and charming in every way.

 

Artists: PLR Yard Art: Paula Gray, Rita Amundson, Linda Esse

These women scout garage sales throughout southern Minnesota, buying old dishes, lamp bases and bowls to create new and unique pieces of garden art.

 

Shelly Pederson

212 NE 1st Street, Geneva

Pederson describes her country garden as an oversized perennial rainbow bed. Easy care is a criterion for inclusion in this all-season garden. Natural and repurposed materials are used for trellises and decoration. Also note the square foot gardens for vegetables and the backyard orchard. Shelly is trained as a master gardener and has worked 20 years in the nursery business. She has been a frequent instructor in the Albert Lea Community Education program.

 

Artist: Susan DeVries

Visitors will fall in love with her small creatures and butterfly stepping stones that are at home in the garden. She creates greeting cards and uses paper and yarn in ways that will amaze.

 

Brad and Jody Kirschner

417 Vine Avenue

With special appreciation for the unique features and challenges of the lot, the owners began this labor of love in 2006. Incorporating features of the past where possible, they hauled boulders, rebuilt a retaining wall and planted gardens that surround the house. Note that the plants (many shared by his neighbors) were chosen to reflect the ages of this arts and crafts home.

 

Artist: William Olson

“William” is a visiting artist and board member from the Austin Art Center. He is versatile, working in pencil, pen and ink, watercolor and colored pencil. Winner of many local awards, he loves fantasy, wildlife and country living.

 

If you go

What: Art and Garden Tour 2013

How much: $10 per person; tickets available at the Art Center, Addie’s Floral, Sterling Drug and HyVee

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29