Madison-Ridgeland Academy Campus

(Photo of butterfly taken in Jenny's Garden by 2008 MRA senior Caroline Cummins)

The Madison-Ridgeland Academy Campus, 7601 Old Canton Road, 

is the headquarters of this year's tour.  Tickets for the Garden Tour may be

purchased here, or at any of the Tour Homes.  The Campus will also feature:

 
Jenny’s Garden

          The headquarters for the Gardens of Madison County is located at MRA and features Jenny’s Garden.  This garden was designed in May 1999, as a memorial for Jennifer Lynn Palmer, a student at MRA.  Her parents, Randy and Lynn, and her older sister, Anne, together with Jenny’s fourth grade classmates, wanted to have a special place for students and faculty to treasure.  Prior to dedication, Jenny’s classmates released one hundred Painted Lady butterflies into this beautiful garden

The garden has a walking path, which leads under an arbor covered in lush wisteria and Carolina jessamine, to wrought iron settees.  Carefully selected plantings were specifically chosen to attract butterflies and to provide color during all the seasons.  Buddleia, abelia, vitex, asters and lantana are just a few of the plants placed in the garden.  The English ivy climbing the pine tree holds special meaning, because it was one of Jenny’s favorites.  Azaleas, cherry laurel, juniper, daylilies, and Anthony Waterer spirea are planted here.

One end of the garden is enclosed with Lady Banksia roses climbing the iron fencing.  Beautiful roses can be found along the front, providing an abundance of seasonal color and fragrance.  Mike Martin, a Master Gardener, takes special care of our MRA roses every year.

The garden has been extended with pathways and changed over the years. Several hard-scape features were added, such as a table and benches, a birdhouse, stone Ten Commandments, and birdbath in the perennial bed.  Jenny’s class, which graduated in 2006, donated several items including a wonderful statue of a little girl and flag saying “Welcome to my Garden”.  The efforts of many have made Jenny’s garden a special feature at MRA that you don’t want to miss.  We keep this living memorial to Jenny as a special place for our students, faculty and all to enjoy.

We would like to thank Terry Powell with Powell Place Landscape Services for helping us with this year’s  presentation of Jenny’s Garden.

MRA's Lil Garden Party
Saturday, May 1 •  9:00-11:30 am
MRA Elementary Playground

      In the 16th year of Garden's of Madison County, MRA's gardening events are growing as well! This year we are cultivating fun in our own back yard with children ages K3-5th grade. Bring your little ones to join in on the fun on Saturday, May 1st at MRA’s Elementary Playground.

     We will take tender loving care of your children, as  you shop and tour the beautiful gardens. While you are gazing and dreaming of your own garden ideas, your children will experience the fun of magicians, games, gardening, snacks and more!  

     Please call Lauren at 601-573-0902 or Elizabeth at 601-941-5948 to sign your child(ren) up today!

     The cost is $10 per child. Bring a friend for entry into a drawing! Registration begins from 9:00-9:30 a.m. and event ends at 11:30 a.m.

The Garden Gate Gift Shop and Greenhouse

          MRA invites you to shop with us at the Garden Gate Gift Shop and Greenhouse.  Our shop, located on the MRA campus, is always filled with an exciting array of unique gifts for your garden, home, and patio.  This year many of MRA’s own artists will be showcasing their special talents and artwork at the Garden Gate Gift Shop. 

For more on the Gift Shop, click here.