From waves of roses to green vines enclosing a sweet spot to relax, tall trees with stories to tell and whimsical garden decor around every corner, the Fifth Annual Full Bloom Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10th will delight the green thumb lover in us all. This year the garden walk features five unique and beautiful gardens in and around Exeter, each with its own enchanting appeal.

Tony and Mary Calcagno's Rainbow House gardens on Badger Hill feature over 90 rose bushes, fantastic pepper trees, palm trees, arbors, two gazebos, fountains, a pool, 18 majestic redwood trees and a panoramic view of the valley and the Sierra Mountains. There are many cozy spots to relax and enjoy all that surrounds you, including angels, birds and chimes. The Calcagno's backyard is a perfect formal English colorful garden sure to promote rest, relaxation and conversation.

Known as Exeter's first hospital the Stivers home welcomes you the moment you stop in front of the bright red geraniums setting in the massive front windows. The home is lined by huge sycamore trees standing guard over the house like ancient sentries. Venture up the driveway amidst the pink camellias and the potted begonias. Step under the cooling arbor covered in ficus vine as you make your way to the gate on the north side. Enter through the back gate and walk into a park-like setting anchored by an ancient blue oak. Smell the fragrant rosemary at the “little house” garden. John's brother, landscape artist Ron Stivers of Three Rivers will be featured at his back yard garden area as a special treat during the Walk.

Walking up to Connie and Randy Featherston's 1936 Tudor cottage is like stepping into a Thomas Kincade painting. The front yard is divided by a miniature boxwood hedge and features many David Austin roses, ferns and a multitude of Connie's favorites Helen of Troy poppies and minnion lace. Continue through the arbor around the north side of the house and enter a land of pixies, fairies and secret gardens. The greenhouse was made by carefully piecing together the original windows of the main house and is where much of the garden is born. Be sure to stop by the lily pond that Connie and her friend Cathy Martin created themselves, scoop by scoop. So many surprises await in this magical garden. Look for the three sisters corn, beans and squash hidden veggie garden and tiny pots arranged here and there with new mini sunflowers, lime green “envy” zinnias or fernleaf lavender getting their start. Connie and Randy's garden is a cheerful, beautiful and inspiring cottage garden that is a peaceful and magical spot and will bring out the inner child in all who slip through its gate.

When in Jim and Becky Heaton's yard, enjoy the park-like setting with many mature trees including a magnificent Chinese lantern tree in the back yard and a wonderful fruitless mulberry that shades the driveway and part of the home. You'll also find several oak trees, Chinese Pistache, Sycamores, many Japanese Maples, and other large shrubs including two Strawberry bushes. They call their style very “eclectic” because it consists of so many different types of plant materials that they like, most of which are perennials. Jim and Becky love lots of color. Becky's favorites usually include purple and white varieties. They have tried to carefully protect the views of Rocky Hill and Badger Hill as well as the Sierra's beyond, and have used arbors and pergolas covered with vines to frame the views.

You might remember Loren and Dana's garden oasis from our Full Bloom Garden Walk in 2005, but Loren has again transformed his garden and welcomes us back with dragonflies, angels, a profusion of color and more ideas to take away. As you enter through the garage you'll find Loren's father just outside on the left, hand-turning his creations of bowls from wood. As you enter the garden gate you'll notice it's not your average entrance. The ornamental gate is hand forged by local artist Jerry Casey. Upon completion it was powder coated and the vining yellow roses are so life-like visitors have

been known to sniff them! You'll notice Jerry's work throughout the Sansom garden. His attention to detail is evident, as the creatures guarding the hand-forged flowers seem to come to life!

Step inside the Sansom nature sanctuary and you'll notice a cracked pot filled with plantings. In this garden nothing goes to waste! The columbine are on your left and you might be interested to know that the common name columbine comes from the Latin word columba, which means dove. When the blossom is flipped over, some people see a ring of doves drinking at a fountain! The columbine reseeds itself every year and explodes in glorious color in the spring. Look for the old door that shades the “star”

hydrangea. Hydrangea means ‘water barrel' and refers to the shape of the fruit after it has sprung open. In any case hydrangeas need lots of water. Sounds of running water from the fountain will soothe stressed souls and impart tranquility, so relax and enjoy. A huge penny marks the entry to the Sansom home and adds a touch a whimsy. The penny was made by Waterman Industries and weighs 350 lbs.

But before you retire to your own garden oasis or run to the nursery to plant ideas inspired by the Walk, visit By The Water Tower Antiques as they host tea and snacks.

Browse the gems located throughout By The Water Tower's rooms from antiques to antique reproduction items. Cathy, Don and their daughter will welcome you as you visit the small houses that is now home to one of the most frequented antique shops in town.

By The Water Tower's lush landscaping surrounds the business accompanied by fountains, wonderfully creative decorative lawn ornaments and cooing doves. What a wonderful way to end the Garden Walk.

Tickets are $15.00 and are available at By The Water Tower Antiques, 141 South B Street, David's Interior Design Gallery, 123 North E or the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, 101 West Pine Street, Exeter. In Porterville tickets are available at Shelly's, 1616 W. Olive Ave. Sponsors of the event are Culligan Water Conditioning & Tricia Kirksey Real Estate. Call 559-592-2919 for more information.

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