by Becky Gillette

FRANKLIN
The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley asks, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

No, in spite of a any wintry forecasts, make plans now to enjoy Virginia’s 86th Historic Garden Week tour featuring six homes right here in Franklin.

Garden Club of Virginia clubs have been hosting tours since 1927. The Franklin Garden Club, in partnership with the Nansemond River Garden Club and the Elizabeth River Garden Club, will host “Franklin City: A New Look for Old Homes” on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A stroll through six mid-20th century properties will offer many new ideas on how to rejuvenate older homes. Owners have given their homes facelifts and more usable functions by creating open floor plans, updated kitchens, refurbished and/or modern furnishings, and comfortable outdoor spaces. The result: homes to fit every lifestyle. This tour will especially appeal to those who enjoy HGTV shows.

Special events during the tour will include plein air artists from the Blackwater-Nottoway Art League, a straw bale gardening demonstration, and gardening and home decorating vendors.

Lunch will be available at the Franklin Baptist Church, eat-in or take-out for $15. Lunches must be ordered prior to the tour date. Shuttle buses will transport visitors to all homes except the complimentary refreshment site at the Cutchins home. Homes featured are on Clay Street, Meadow Lane and Crescent Drive.

Homeowners who will graciously open their doors during the tour are Steve and Jane Gibson, Kevin and Roberta Bowman, Jerry and Dottie Grizzard, Jenny Dixon, Ben and Joan Powell, and Bobby and Diana Cutchins.

Now is a good time to purchase tickets for Valentine’s treats, birthday gifts, or “just because” remembrances. Advance tickets are $30. Tickets the day of the tour will be $40. Tickets may be purchased locally through Friday, April 26 at the following businesses: The Cat’s Meow, Aesthetics by Naomi, The Peanut Patch and Fred’s Restaurant. Credit card sales are only available at Fred’s Restaurant. You may also contact Patti Rabil, tour chair, at 651-9241 or p.rabil@charter.net. Tickets are also available at the Garden Club of Virginia’s website www.vagardenweek.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful spring day out and about in Franklin. Visitors will be coming from throughout the state of Virginia. Let’s support this project locally as well!

All proceeds go toward the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens, provide graduate level research fellowships, and a Garden Club of Virginia Centennial project with Virginia State Parks.