Nurturing Our Gardens So Survivors May Blossom

The 19th annual Garden Tour hosted by Safenet Services will be held Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Garden Tour committee members (L to R): Layla Freeman, Susan Wolfenbarger, Mary Gajarski, Germaine Watkins, Kathy Glover, Carrie Jo Stephens and Barbara Ingram.

The 19th annual Safenet Services Garden Tour returns Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Claremore. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Pixley Lumber in the Carpet Department or the Safenet Services office at 1219 W. Dupont. They will also be available at each location on the day of the tour. Proceeds from the event benefit victims of domestic violence.

The Garden Tour homes will inspire both beginning and experienced gardeners with new ideas to try in their own yards. “The tour includes landscapes designed by professionals as well as some that are planned by the homeowners themselves,” said Donna Grabow, executive director at Safenet Services. “Tour-goers will be exposed to a wonderful variety of different tastes.”
Susan Wolfenbarger, assistant director, adds, “This event is a great way for mothers and daughters, friends, church groups and more to enjoy a fun day together. Wear your comfortable walking shoes!”

Vendors will be set up at each location on the tour, including Ol’ Dutchman’s Bakery, Cozy Cottage, Safenet’s Garden Gems & Treasures and more. The Master Gardeners of Rogers County will be on hand at the homes to identify plants and answer questions. A raffle will be held as well for a variety of items, including a Chinese Pistache tree, an ornate park bench, and wood carvings by Howard Herman. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

In addition to the tour, a garden party luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul Episcopal Church, located at 1310 N. Sioux. The menu includes a variety of homemade chicken and ham salad sandwiches, fruit salad, lemon cake and peach tea. The cost for the luncheon is $7 and benefits Safenet Services.

Safenet Services creates a healthy, supportive environment for individuals and families healing from the consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The organization has helped more than 2,700 abused women and their children change their circumstances and their lives since opening its doors in 1991. Since moving to its new location in 2013, they have been able to help three times the number of people as before. “We used to have 12 beds and we now have 35,” explains Susan.  Safenet Services is a United Way agency and certified by the Attorney General’s Office.

The Garden Tour will be held rain or shine. The event is always in need of sponsors – contact Safenet for more information.  

2014 Claremore Garden Tour Locations:

Hollis and Judy Holcomb
1145 N. Faulkner Pl.
Beautiful tiered garden full of roses, irises, peonies, clematis and more.

Jerry and Susan Cunningham
202 Holly Rd.
Beautiful Victorian style home and garden with a unique Pepsi collection.

Cynthia and Ron McVicar
303 E. Patti Page Blvd.
Lovely homeowner designed garden featuring plants for both sun and shade. Don’t miss the antique brick walkway.

Glover River Ranch
4150 Road
Massive, breathtaking ranch features a beautifully landscaped outdoor patio, pool and hot tub, putting green, and a 19th century family cemetery.

 For more information, contact

Safenet Services

www.safenetservices.org

About Author Sheryl Sowell

Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.