Peony Fest 2016 Garden Tour sites listed

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert Peony Festival’s annual Garden Tour is a popular event that brings people out to view the selected gardens, and this year is no exception. Five gardens are on the tour for 2016. They include the Marsh Foundation and its horticulture program, the John and Eulalia Carlton residence at 9202 Van Wert Willshire Road, Jim and Sylvia Buettner’s residence at 7433 German Church Road, Andy and Sandra Anderson’s residence at 1034 Shawnee Drive, and Shawne Collins and Susan Fisher’s residence at 510 S. Vine St.

Marsh Foundation

The residents of The Marsh Foundation are taught many things they’ll need as they mature into adulthood, with part of that education related to the art of nurturing, and the rewards of hard work through the Foundation’s gardening/horticulture program.

Plants are grown in the Marsh’s greenhouse, then transferred to the Foundation’s big garden as weather permits.

9202 Van Wert Willshire Road

On the outskirts of Van Wert is the quiet, unassuming property of the Carltons at 9202 Van Wert Willshire Road.

The property boasts a log cabin overlooking a stocked pond with a sparkling waterfall. Each year holds a wonderful surprise as the gardens awaken and are allowed to grow wild, with a bit of control from the Carlton gardeners.

7433 German Church Road

Meander along the pathways and through the yard at the Buettners’ residence and one will find food for their soul, as well as their body.

Along with the many flowers, one can find blueberries, raspberries, and currants, while the vegetables in their neat beds offer beauty as they grow … and a wonderful harvest to enjoy through the winter.

1034 Shawnee Drive

The Andersons purchased this residence in 2011. At the time, there was a small half-circle patio, with clematis growing on the back fence.

The following year, the small patio was replaced by a large patio and pergola by the patio door. Three steps lead to another large patio with a firepit, bordered by a paver wall with flowers and a water fountain on one side.

510 S. Vine St.

Collins and Fisher have successfully integrated a busy, active lifestyle with their son, Fletcher, with gardening at their South Vine Street residence.

Fresh raspberry bushes and strawberries, choice vegetables, and beautiful flowers coexist with a swimming pool, a play area, and a dirt bike trail.