Garden Tour

Home #1

After 13 years of seafaring adventures, these homeowners returned to Tulsa to their new home“The Landing”, christened in 2020, and landscape changes began. Sidewalks were removed to make new beds and extend others. Plans included 75 cubic yards of topsoil and 44,000 pounds of hardscape!

The first area of concern was covering up a tangle of exposed Sweet Gum roots along the driveway.Topsoil and rock were used to raise the level of this area. Shade-loving perennials were then planted.

The entry bed, flanked by azaleas, a Japanese Maple and a birdbath, was enlarged and an AmericanBeautyberry, ferns and ajuga planted. Foundation plantings of oakleaf hydrangeas and aucuba provide visual interest and camouflage a downspout. At the northeast corner is a Caddo Maple ‘John Pair’ tree, which is a 50-year anniversary celebratory tree!

The sunny eastside of the property highlights Limelight hydrangeas, zebra grass and hardy hibiscus. The roughleaf dogwood was a MG tree giveaway during the 2023 Home and Garden Show. Changing the previous garden beds inside the fence allowed room for a pollinator patch and raised beds for edibles.

Older trees and shrubs dominate the south side of the property, along with a much used pickle barrel compost bin. A pecan tree and cherry laurel on the west edge of the yard provide welcome afternoon shade as well as a Vitex chaste tree, another MG tree giveaway during the 2025 Home and Garden Show. Thanks to a sewer collapse in 2025, the back lawn was resodded with zoysia grass and beds updated. Note the rain barrel conveniently placed to water all the patio containers

Home #2

Searching for a home in 2019, these homeowners fell in love with the hilly neighborhood location and the abundance of mature trees. A trio of oaks and seasonal flowers anchor the impressive front yard. Additional oaks add ample opportunity for shade plantings and unlimited leaf composting.

Recognizing their home had some challenges these homeowners got to work. An extensive berm was installed to camouflage an unsightly cement wall. A canopy of oak trees and a large Japanese maple shelter the beautiful shade-loving garden. The dwarf green laceleaf Japanese maple is a family favorite, relocated from a previous home.

Another issue was dealing with the large number of trees. The major concern was about overcrowding and the health of the trees and landscape. The homeowner solved this by removing a number of trees. In addition, the downhill slope of the backyard presented topographical challenges with storm water management. Installing a French drain assisted with erosion and drainage issues.

The homeowner grew most of the flowering annuals and perennials throughout the landscape from seed started in January. The homeowner collected and recycled gallon and quart milk containers to create mini greenhouses to start the seeds. Soon there was not enough indoor space for these mini greenhouses so many were grown using winter growing principles. See the display on the patio of this method of seed propagation.

The shady arboretum-like backyard provides unlimited relaxation and gardening opportunities. A special interest is the grandchildren’s fairy garden.

At this home, we will have someone sharpening garden tools. So bring your garden tools with you to this home to get them sharpened. Donations are accepted and appreciated for this service.

Home #3

The family has owned this property for 25 years and the gardens have constantly evolved. They have been committed to a completely chemical free environment by not using any pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Emphasizing native plants and creating a wildlife habitat, the yard has certifications by many organizations including national Wildlife Federation “Certified Wildlife Habitat” and Monarch Watch “Monarch Waystation.”

The front yard has mature trees and several native shrubs, including Virginia Sweetspire, Spicebush and Possumhaw. Native woodland wildflowers are in the front beds along with annuals for constant color.

The backyard perimeter has been cultivated into various gardens that highlight Salvias, many species of Milkweeds, Prairie Willow, Echinacea and much more! There are also several native honeysuckles, a large native Wisteria, Mexican Plum, Sassafras trees, and a mature Button Bush. A pocket prairie garden contains various blooming prairie plants. The south side of the home includes a bird garden, complete with a fountain, and bird feeders. In addition, a fenced-in raised vegetable garden, compost bins, and three rain barrels. The crown jewel structure is a 10 x 12 foot cedar pavilion, designed and built by the homeowners, which allows a wide view of the gardens.

The homeowners are most proud of the native wildlife making a home in their yard. Over 120 documented species of pollinators and insects. The trees and shrubs have been home to a wide variety of nesting birds. Two homemade bat houses mounted on the south side of the home have provided a maternity colony for Big Brown bats for at least 14 years.

Home #4

This suburban backyard garden blends ornamental plantings with a highly productive vegetable space, creating a landscape that is both beautiful and functional. Perennial beds anchor the garden with hydrangeas, ornamental grasses and ferns, providing structure, texture and a soothing green backdrop throughout the growing season. Special note, the hostas are a family favorite and relocated with this family from Virginia. Annuals are interspersed for bursts of color and seasonal interest, softening transitions and adding continuous visual variety.

A stone walkway flanked by hostas, colorful annuals and a red leaf maple invite guests to the front door. Enter the back yard through the east gate into a welcoming resort-like back yard. The outdoor living space centered on a beautiful pool. An arbor draped in fragrant wisteria frames the area, providing shade, vertical interest and a sense of arrival that encourages lingering and relaxation.

The vegetable garden along the west fence features galvanized raised beds with trellises and soaker hoses for efficient watering. Varieties of tomatoes grow alongside peppers, herbs and other vegetables. Interplanted garden of French marigolds and zinnias support pollinators while adding vibrant color. As you roam the space, notice some MG favorite garden tools.

Taylor junipers, multiple varieties of Nellie Stevens hollies and other evergreens enclose the yard for privacy, year round structural interest, and a feeling of retreat from surrounding homes. Designed as a working garden that still invites pause and enjoyment, this space reflects the pleasures of growing food and flowers in a suburban setting.

Home #5

Starting with four maple trees in 2019, this hardworking family began transforming their yard space into an urban oasis. Despite windstorms and ongoing drainage challenges, this busy family has cleverly created two monarch waystations, an extensive raised bed garden, a rain garden, and a channel to manage excess water runoff.

The sunny front bed features hardy hibiscus, rudbeckia, coneflower, and seasonal annuals. Entering the backyard is the first of two monarch waystations. As a creative solution to a sloping yard and an abundance of water runoff, the rain garden was established. It is filled with milkweeds, buttonbush and passionflower, which provides food for caterpillars and shelter for chrysalises.

Elaborate raised beds include onions and cilantro in spring, followed by tomatoes, peppers, beans and potatoes in summer. Canning and freezing

allow the family to enjoy homegrown produce year-round. See the display of recent harvests the homeowner has canned and preserved.

Following the 2023 windstorm, the family built a grapevine-covered arbor. This creates a shady spot with views to enjoy the garden. Off the back patio, the herb garden is convenient for family meal preparation. A family favorite is the trellised cantaloupe plant and the pineapple sage is especially attractive to visiting butterflies.

The second monarch waystation surrounds one of the original maple trees. This area includes colorful perennials including asters, blazing star, Turk’s cap, daisies, and coneflower.