19th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour

June 11, 2012 - PRLog -- The Second Street Neighborhood Association presents the 19th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour Saturday, July 7, and Sunday, July 8, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The convenient walking tour will feature ten gardens and a carriage house contained within two square city blocks of the Old Louisville Historic Preservation District.  

The tour focuses on the gardens of Belgravia Court in recognition of the 120th anniversary of Belgravia’s establishment after the Southern Exposition and the 60th anniversary of Restoration, Inc.’s inauguration of the Old Louisville preservation effort.  A legacy book, planned to come out in time for the 2012 St. James Art Show, encompasses the history, architecture and preservation efforts of this elegant court during more than a century.  For more information contact Shawn Fields Williams at sfwilliams@fieldscommunications.com.

As well as Belgravia Court, the 2012 tour also includes gardens along Hill, Fourth and Sixth Streets.  While the 2012 gardens offer variety in theme and size, they share the tranquility each provides in a densely populated area.  Formal or casual, designed for entertaining or as private retreats, these gardens permit visitors to draw ideas from their creative use of space enhanced by water features, sculpture and whimsical décor objects.  
   
Since 2003, The DuPont Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn, 1317 S. 4th St., has sponsored the annual Art in the Garden, where several local artists will paint from noon to 5:00 pm both days of the tour. The 2012 Art in the Garden limited-edition poster, titled “Gracious Hospitality” and signed and numbered by artist Linda Jones, will be available for purchase at The DuPont Mansion.

Visitors may enjoy complimentary refreshments and participate in a silent auction located in Haskins Hall at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. On the lawn vendors will offer garden plants and other garden-oriented items for sale. Comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing are recommended. Expect a few steps at each location. Cold drinking water is available at each garden.

Tickets are $12 in advance before 5 p.m. on July 6 or $15 on days of the tour. Advance discount tickets for individuals may be purchased 3 ways:
·   on line at the secure www.oldlouisvillegardentour.com website;
·   by phone, fax or visit at the Old Louisville Information Center (in Central Park; 1340 S 4th St.; Louisville, KY 40208; 502-635-5244); cash, check, or Visa/MC accepted;
·   by visiting the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center (1217 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40203) prior to the tour on Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; cash and check accepted.  

Reservations for groups of 10 or more will receive an advance ticket group rate of $11 by calling 502-432-8665 by July 6.  Tickets purchased in advance or on site should be picked up at the sales table in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 Saint James Court at Magnolia Ave. Tickets are good for both days of the tour. As a bonus, each ticket offers $1 off admission for a Conrad-Caldwell House tour and $5 off a purchase at the Plant Kingdom, valid through December 31, 2012. No rain dates or refunds. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Second Street Neighborhood Association’s efforts to enhance the entire Old Louisville Historic Preservation District.

On Friday, June 29, from 6 to 9 pm, the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (conradcaldwellhouse.org) will host a special Garden Tour Preview Cocktail Party benefit in a private garden on South Sixth St across from Central Park. Tickets for the garden party are $50 per person and may be purchased by calling (502) 636-5023.

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Old Louisville is the nation’s largest Victorian residential district. The 2012 Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour supports the preservation and enhancement of this historic architectural treasure. Visit www.oldlouisvillegardentour.com for more information.