2008 Garden Tour Homeowners Our annual fundraiser centers around the generosity of our homeowners who open their gardens for the weekend to share their love of gardening and in doing so, share their love of children and the enhancement of education.   We appreciate their time, talents and willingness to participate in this effort.

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John Arthur and Patricia Eaves

John Arthur and Patricia Eaves have three home sites on their sprawling seventy-four acre estate. “I have two passions – one for the Lord and helping people and one for gardening,” said Patricia. John Arthur Eaves stated, “She looks at flowers as being creations made by God for beauty, and she sees sharing the beauty of creation as a ministry.” Mrs. Eaves’ motto, “Home is where the heart is,” is reflected at the entrance of Rose Meade, the main home site. The flowerbeds here contain colorful annuals and perennials, all outlined with red-stained concrete in the shape of a heart. The three bronze statues of children in the miniature rose garden represent their son and two daughters. Carrying out this playful theme are colorful carousel horses in the octagonal gazebo.

            Entering the home’s stately foyer, the visitor should proceed upstairs to the children’s playroom. Laura Hamilton Smith, a local muralist, painted beautiful Biblical scenes of the Creation on all the walls. Walking out on the balcony, you have a breathtaking view of the gardens in the rear of the home. The white marble-tiered fountain designed with angels and four lions is one of the first items to catch the eye. The English garden contains over 350 roses of many varieties.

            There are flagstone walkways that wind through the beds that also include many perennials, such as sassanquas, irises, lilies, azaleas, and peonies. Gazing over this, you’ll also see a quaint playhouse for the grandchildren and lovely arbors, which have Queen Elizabeth roses and Carolina jasmine.

            Traveling down the drive, you will see the family’s horses in a pastoral setting. As the sun reflects on the water, you cannot miss the 2,000 daylilies planted on the banks. A replica of Catherine the Great’s amphitheatre, consisting of 18 large Corinthian columns, commemorates her rise to the throne during the 17th century in Odessa, Ukraine. This picturesque site serves as a quiet and peaceful place to observe the surrounding flowers and swans.

            Included as part of the garden tour will be the Eaves’ collection of antique automobiles. The collection includes a 1939 Ford, 1961 and 1974 Rolls Royces, two 1959 Pontiac convertibles, a 1962 Ford Thunderbird convertible, a 1968 Camero, and a 1963 Cadillac limousine.

            At Rosewood Falls on the estate, the visitor is treated to another pleasant surprise: a double pond with a beautiful mermaid waterfall to the right. A stone walkway – at the beginning of which is an enormous stone boulder in the shape of Mississippi – leads to a simple 10-foot wooden cross, the area's “true focal point.” Confederate jasmine covers the iron gazebo.

            There nestled among Bradford pears, dogwoods, azaleas, camellias, and pink jonquils, lies the fabulous French Arcadia guesthouse, Rose More. A unique butterfly bench and sculpture are to the side. Delightful birdhouses are scattered throughout the grounds. Be sure to notice the lovely butterfly-shaped garden in this area.

            Continuing around the winding road is the cottage Rose Bud, the last home site, set among jonquils, lilies, crepe myrtles, irises, daisies, and, of course, roses.

            The perfect ending to your tour is the newest addition, Rose Valley Chapel. Set beautifully in the hardwoods near the front of the estate, the church with its slate roof, gothic windows, and copper steeple provides a quiet place to experience time alone with God. The chapel was built as a place for her Bible study and will be dedicated in honor of their parents.

            There are at least 30,000 daffodils, 5,000 tulips, 4,000 amaryllis, 2,500 azaleas and 500 roses of various colors and varieties covering two-thirds of the Eaves’ property. “I love everything that blooms. I love everything that grows. I usually always have something blooming,” said Patricia Eaves, who has been growing roses and other plants for over 40 years. “My grandmothers and mother loved gardening.”

Dr. Chris and Patty Ethridge

The Ethridges have resided at 709 Welford less than four years.  In that time, they have transformed the property, making it their own.  Two large, lovely planters with seasonal color await guests at the front door entry.  The front beds along the walkway are full of perennials, including pink coneflower and lantana.

            Andy Bell of Sustainable Solutions put in a number of new beds for the Ethridges, and the garden is maintained by Southern Season.  Mrs. Ethridge specifically requested native, hardy plants that the birds could enjoy, like berries from the beautiful evergreen hollies.  Also, they desired specimens more unique than the typical fare.  Examples are the drake elm with its lovely natural, peeling trunk, arrow wood with its straight stems which were used by Native Americans, parsley hawthorn, and winter honeysuckle.

            One cannot pass the herb garden at the side of the home without stopping to experience the smells and textures of herbs such as basil, sage, and lavender.  Then one enters into the back of the property and glimpses their private enclosed space.  The owners asked Mark Rich to design two wonderful structures---a pavilion and an arbor with swings.  These designs are unique and compliment each other, standing side by side.  Cross vine and American wisteria cover the arbor, providing both beauty and shade.  One will notice the wonderful collection of blue pots, filled with colorful plants, which enhance this space.

            The Ethridges enjoy their dining pavilion.  The pavilion is equipped with a grill for convenient outdoor cooking and an overhead fan, which provides gentle breezes for comfort.

            These two great structures for entertaining and relaxing are approached by slate steps down from the upper level and retaining wall.  The wonderful design is framed by a fountain on one side and several large boulders on the other.  Knockout Roses are planted at the entry.  There is a bridge over the water feature with a waterfall that sounds restful as one is seated there.  The owners enjoy watching the birds drink the water.

            The landscape features several ground covers surrounding the pavilion area.  Mrs. Ethridge is especially fond of the Stepables growing along the slate walkway, as well as the Creeping Jenny and the tiny Spring Beauty among the woodland violets. 

            All along the dry creek bed, many different perennials are planted, including LA phlox, Arum Italicum, oak leaf hydrangea, both white and red buckeye, and native dogwood.  For focal points, several angel trumpets are positioned alongside a wonderful Bigleaf Magnolia with its giant leaves and blooms.

            The design makes use of evergreen cryptomeria and bamboo to screen in the back of the property, with blueberries, camellia, beautyberry, and Chinese fringe planted as well.  A most unique element is the beautiful stand of evergreen Pineapple Guava, Feijoa.  Mrs. Ethridge says this lush tropical hybrid with edible fruit has been doing quite well.

Rich and Sue Mihal

            Rich and Sue Mihal enjoy working on projects together, and this is very evident when viewing their lovely home and gardens.  They have lived in Trace Vineyard for 19 years, and over time the surrounding area has become quite busy with traffic and construction.  However, their rich, full gardens, brick wall, and meandering walkways create an enclosed, yet spacious retreat that actually contains several garden rooms.

            The Mihals entertain often and have the perfect setting in which to do so.  There is a wide back deck and a brick patio area that can seat numerous guests.  When their daughter married, they added another patio area that is off to the side.  In fact, Sue explained that their landscape plan has evolved to fit their lifestyle over the years.  Presently they enjoy playing with their grandchildren in the backyard.  Hide and seek is a favorite game amongst the lush foliage and secluded areas.

            What makes the look and feel of the backyard work is that the Mihals have used simple, hardy plantings in abundance to establish the framework of their gardens.  They have azaleas, nandinas, and wood ferns underneath towering fragrant pines and oak trees.  There are several sunspot euonymus shrubs that add splashes of yellow with their variegated leaves.  Sue loves the elaeagnus even though she has to trim it often.  She enjoys the rich, sweet odor it has as well as the olive, gray-green foliage.  Another favorite is the banana shrub, with its small, creamy-colored blossoms that have a distinctive, pleasant banana smell.  The sword-shaped leaves of the yucca are a nice contrast in shape and texture to the other evergreens.

            Nestled among the foliage, one will find many unusual containers and sculptures, which add a touch of whimsy to the landscape.  Some of these are antiques, such as the old Maytag wringer/washer (Rich once worked for Maytag) and an old rustic dolly.  There is an elephant fountain, a soap dispenser, an old sink, statues, and even an old shoe that provide points of interest.  Many unusual birdhouses are placed in corners here and there.  A pretty windmill which comes to life with the breeze is another unexpected treat.  Orange trumpet vine, purple wisteria, antique climbing roses, and North Caroline jasmine adorn the different arbors, which the homeowners have built themselves.  Many annuals, such as impatients, add color and fill the lovely, unique containers.

            The homeowners invite visitors to relax on one of their benches and view their gardens, which hold many happy memories.

Dr. Scott and Melissa Runnels 

The Runnels’ home and garden, located on ten acres of beautiful Sundial, is approached through an entrance gate framed with fans of native palmetto and miscanthus grass.  Their property has wonderful large, old trees with a winding creek flowing through the established landscape.  A circular drive leaves guests at the spectacular fountain with a Fleur-de-lis brick design and huge urn.  Beds of repeating dwarf yaupon, crepe myrtles, and azaleas are planted on the front grounds with a willow swing and chairs.  The dramatic palmettos are a great element used throughout the landscape from the front gate to the front porch to the back entry.

            Carroll’s Landscaping designed and planted the gardens seven years ago, and the grounds have matured beautifully.  The back living space is completely enclosed in a semi-circle of rebar fencing.  Mrs. Runnels shares the fact that she loves her backyard as a great place for bringing her family together.  She asked that Ron Carroll make use of low-maintenance plantings so that everything comes back from year to year.  His design incorporates the use of symmetry and repetition of plant species to draw the eye from one bed to the next.

            Rick Griffin designed the marvelous pool area and pool house, which is surrounded by a combination of stained concrete and stone work.  As a visitor steps down from the back porch to the pool, one sees a bordered, circular bed planted in lovely purple blossoms of Mexican petunia, which is truly a focal point.  The owner’s favorite feature is the curved gazebo, lushly covered in mature Carolina jasmine.  Each year, when the weather warms, the family looks forward to placing a table underneath this gazebo to enjoy daily outdoor dining.

            At the rear of the lovely S-shaped pool is an elevated level for seating including tables and umbrellas.  The natural stone wall contains two more water features—a hot tub and a waterfall that overflows into the pool area below.  A Japanese maple, along with day lilies and roses, frame the waterfall.  There is an abundance of places to relax and enjoy the water.

            While the gazebo is on the left of the pool, to the right side is a marvelous structure the owners call the pool house.  In fact, it features a complete cooking center with a Viking grill and wood-burning fireplace.  This large outdoor kitchen is open with a covered porch and plenty of counter space.  The building is beautifully landscaped, enclosed with banana plants, azaleas, and La iris.  Leland cypress and the evergreen Majestic Beauty rhododendron are used as a screen on each side of the pool house.  Palm trees, loropetalum, and boulders accent the design.

Jeff and Monica Saulters

            Upon arriving at the home and gardens of Jeff and Monica Saulters, a guest anticipates all the treasures that await him/her.  Their Louisiana Plantation-style home was built in 2004 by Monica, who owns her own home building business, Saulters Builders , LLC. 

            As one steps on their property one sees their magnificent front porch, which overlooks a beautifully manicured Zoysia lawn and a circular drive.  These structures are highlighted by wonderful plantings of crepe myrtle, ornamental grasses, Knockout roses, juniper, and Little gem magnolia.  Jason Jones of Outdoor Solutions used many different shapes, heights, and textures in his design for their gardens.   Iron baskets full of springtime blooms adorn the brick wall and pathway that leads to the back of their home.  This makes guests want to see the treasures to which the pathway leads.

            Upon entering the backyard, the first treasure one sees is the deep, L-shaped, covered back porch, which extends the entire length of the Saulter’s home.  Leading to the porch are curved beds with loropetalum and low-lying juniper.  Another bed has staggered rows of gardenia mixed among tall, pointed yews with a backdrop of antique roses.  One of the garden’s focal points is the Japanese magnolia with its pink blossoms.  Comfortable chairs beckon guests to sit and unwind, to enjoy a relaxing cookout, or to savor the sound of children’s laughter.   The patio completes the outdoor entertaining area with its aged-brick fireplace and cooking station.  This treasured area is adjacent to a curved wall, which holds plantings of Indian hawthorn and pink carpet roses.  Set among their family-friendly retreat is a play area for their young children and a fun lime green picnic table, which is sure to host many tea parties!  Other splashes of color come through the use of a multitude of annual flowers placed around the area in planters.

            Large sweeping oak trees define an area at the back of the Saulter’s property which was left in its natural state.  This border-defining area provides the homeowners with a view of beautiful hardwoods, while also providing some privacy.

            The Saulter’s lovely home and gardens were planned and designed with their family in mind.  So take it all in, and enjoy this Garden Tour home. 

 Terray and Lisa Thompson

Stepping into the backyard of Terray and Lisa Thompson, a guest will experience a private haven that is used for entertaining family and friends.  It is the culmination of ten years of transforming a sloping yard with minimal landscaping into a welcome retreat that has several unique features.  Terray, a homebuilder, and Lisa, a home designer, each have worked extensively with landscape architect, Carter Brown.  It was only natural to utilize his talents for their personal home.  The original design was simple and included azaleas, crape myrtles, hollies, and windmill palms.  Lisa added Saint Joseph lilies, purple irises, cannas, and amaryllis that she transplanted from her childhood home.

            The Thompsons later added a lovely structure, which they laughingly call the “party shack.”  The term “gazebo” seems too formal for this outdoor entertainment area.  A great place to escape the afternoon sun, it is complete with a ceiling fan, swing, rocking chairs, and a stained glass window that Lisa made.  The upper deck houses Terray’s smoker and the hot tub.

            Carter Brown was called again to design the pool area.  Circular steps were added to the existing patio and brick retaining walls lowered the pool and its surroundings to street level for extra privacy.  Ligustrum, banana plants, and palms add a tropical flair.  Yellow irises, lantana, cannas, and daylilies add splashes of color. They also have some horsetail growing along a brick wall that they got from Lisa’s mother in Mobile.  This plant looks almost like a type of bamboo and adds to the lush feel of the backyard. The lovely, planted containers are the perfect accessories to the whimsical yard art and one-of-a-kind birdhouses that are found throughout the landscaping.  They add color, distinction, and a sense of fun that reflects the owners’ personalities.

            Lisa loves the time spent working in the yard, experimenting with all kinds of plants, especially ones she has received from friends.  The Thompsons agree that everyone enjoys the time spent around the pool, and they look forward to adding even more to their garden design in the future. 

Tom and Mary Williams

Tom and Mary Williams have lived in their home on Breezy Hill since 1994.  With their keen eye for detail and the help of talented landscape designers, they have been able to transform their surroundings into a beautiful, distinctive garden home.  When they first moved here, only a few neighboring houses existed.  Their property actually backs up to the old Johnson Ferry Roadbed.  Since they have added a great deal of lush plantings and reconfigured their front walk and drive, a guest does not even notice the new homes that have sprung up around them.

            Griffin and Egger, a landscape design team, drew up a plan for the front yard that includes a lovely water feature, a curved stone wall, and delightful flower beds that have bursts of color throughout the year.  Ron Carroll, of Carroll’s Nursery, helped install most of the plantings. There are irises, shasta daisies, Indian hawthorne, daylilies, butterfly roses, autumn ferns, sasanquas, and phlox, just to name a few things planted throughout the front yard.  There are groupings of spruce pines, magnolias, tulip poplars, and crape myrtles that lend a sense of symmetry and offer points of interest. Herbs, such as rosemary and society garlic, (so named because, supposedly, it does not cause bad breath), are found around the water feature and stone wall, along with dwarf pampas, lambs ear, and purple heart.  Lady Banks roses climb across the front porch and offer a showy display in the spring. 

            Tom and Mary enjoy working side by side in their gardens.  Tom also has built lovely arbors that are found throughout the landscape.  Confederate jasmine, with its heavily scented blooms, accents the garage and also climbs on an arch framing the view into the picturesque backyard.  Mike Marler, formerly of Brent’s Nursery, helped design this area.  A large water feature that includes a waterfall and circular stream is the main focal point.  Autumn fern, fig vine, Japanese maple, azaleas, nandinas, and a huge bank of gardenias nearby provide a serene setting that can be enjoyed on the tin-roofed back porch with large cypress posts. Tucked away in a corner is the potting shed, which is the perfect area to store pots, plants, and materials. 

            A dry creek bed that becomes a flowing stream when it rains adds to the natural woodsy atmosphere.  The cool blues in the Mexican petunias, purple sage, agapanthus, and the groupings of blackeyed susans, daylilies, and  hydrangeas offer a welcome respite from the summer heat.  The Williams have created an inviting retreat that they enjoy sharing with others.