Garden Tour to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

Safenet Services presents its 14th annual Garden and Pond Tour.

On Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Safenet Services presents its 14th annual Garden and Pond Tour. This is your chance to come out and enjoy some lovely homes with beautiful landscaping, and to support victims of domestic violence.

“Our theme for this event is ‘Nurturing our gardens so survivors may blossom,’” says Susan Wolfenbarger, Safenet Services volunteer and event coordinator. “We have a great variety of homes on the tour, with professional landscapes, mature landscapes, and homeowner-designed landscapes.” One of the homes on the tour is Dr. Jeremy and Tammy Thomas’ home. The Thomas’ master plan includes 40 Carpet Roses, 84 Pocomoke Crape Myrtle, 84 Creeping Phlox and many other varieties of perennials. This spring 20 flats of annuals were planted, such as Confetti Lantana, Petunias, Begonias and Impatiens.

Safenet Services is a nonprofit domestic abuse and sexual assault agency that serves Rogers and Mayes counties. In 2008, Safenet Services fielded 3,655 calls to the crisis line, aided in the filings of over 800 protective orders in Rogers and Mayes Counties, and cared for 115 adults and children in its domestic abuse shelter. These are vital services: Safenet reports that Oklahoma is ranked fourth in the nation for domestic violence. Proceeds from the Garden and Pond Tour will benefit victims of domestic violence.

Each home on the tour will feature a Master Gardener team, which will provide information about the plants at the homes and highlight notable plants for the tour’s guests. These Master Gardeners also put together a manual of plants for each homeowner. And there will be a Master Gardener tent, where you can bring any horticultural questions you have.

Vendors will be on hand at each tour location. Stonebridge Garden Center will be offering an assortment of nursery items, including annuals and perennials. The Ole Dutchman’s Bakery will have a selection of baked goods for tour goers. Safenet Services will have their Garden Goodies and Garden Treasures booths with many items for sale this year.

At any time during the tour, you can stop by the city gazebo for complimentary refreshments. While you’re there, take a moment to view the message garden planted by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

The women of St. Paul Episcopal Church will be sponsoring the Garden Party Luncheon at 11 a.m. Lunch is at the church (1310 N. Sioux in Claremore), and tickets are $6.

“This is a self-guided tour,” says Wolfenbarger. “You can head to any of the sites you want at any time. It’s a very fun, casual and laidback day.” You can get your tickets in advance at Pixley Lumber, Stonebridge Garden Center or the Safenet office. You may also purchase your ticket the day of the event at any Garden Tour location. The homes on the tour are: 1808 Forest Park Drive, 9533 E. Bond Drive, 10908 N. 168th E. Ave., 19473 Bond Drive, 3102 Heritage Hills Pkwy., and 22313 S. Dogwood Ct.

The 14th annual Safenet Services Garden and Pond Tour is Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets to this event are $10. For more information or for tickets, call Safenet Services at (918) 341-1424.

For more information, contact

Safenet Services

(918) 341-1424