A whimsical fairy garden at the Measles residence in Green River is one of the features that was highlighted during this year's Pond and Garden tour.
This past weekend, crowds of admirers flocked to the 2024 Green River Pond and Garden Tour. The tour included eight houses in Green River and two in Rock Springs.
On the tour, homeowners showcased their sophisticated pond systems and unique gardens.
One of the biggest pond features was at the home of the Byrd family on Logan Street. Their pond features 24 koi fish and was remodeled seven years ago to include more fish and enhanced water features. Every winter the family builds a large wooden and tarp structure to protect the delicate fish from harsh weather.
Some of the homes that featured gardens give a glimpse of what you can grow in Sweetwater County, including 10-foot stocks of corn and giant dahlias. Other gardens told a story, like those at the Measles yard. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by an enchanting fairy garden followed by beautiful, lush flowers and nautical-themed sitting areas.
Along the tour, participants could also speak with a certified Master Gardener to answer questions about their own garden plans. According to the University of Wyoming, Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who share a love of gardening, an enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to helping others.
"The University of Wyoming Master Gardener Program is a volunteer network that serves the citizens of Wyoming by providing sound scientific information and horticultural advice," the UW website explains.
Event Organizer and Chairperson Lyneen Murphy said this was approximately the 25th year Sweetwater County has been home to this event, and she commented on how it has grown and developed into what it is currently.
"The pond and garden tour started out with a group of people getting together and visiting each other's homes to see their pond and water features and it eventually expanded to include their gardens," Murphy explained. "Wiley Morgan was passionate about opening up the tour to the public and dedicated himself to making that happen before his passing."
When asked what direction the tour might take in the future, Murphy said that they are planning to include yards with intricate chicken coops in the near future.
"We are always brainstorming ways to make the tour better and more informative for the public, and urban chicken coops are very popular right now," she said.
The Pond and Garden Tour also features a raffle every year to raise money for various projects and causes. This year, the raffle raised money to support Barry Tippy, a community member who was recenently diagnosed with cancer. The Tippys also shared their home and garden as one of the residences in this year's tour.
Community members can catch the Green River Pond and Garden Tour every summer on the first Saturday in August.
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