Grayson County Master Gardeners celebrate spring on Sunday, May 19, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. with a Garden and Art Tour for the public.

Five private gardens, three in Denison and two in Sherman, will be featured. Local artists will be demonstrating art techniques in each of the gardens, and the Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions from everyone.

Admission is $10.

Go to www.graysoncountymastergardeners.net/ for ticket information and the locations of the gardens.

Home A. Joe and Marla Pollaro
310 Ballpark loop, Denison

Theme parks and the Las Vegas Bellagio inspired the Pollaros choices of colorful flowers, shrubs and trees. Five waterfalls and two streams surround a multi-tiered landscape of annuals and perennials. One of the waterfalls will be thick with flowering water plants such as water lilies. There are thick wisteria and bugle vines growing on trees and over a large columned gazebo. Huge hardy hibiscus is growing in several beds that, if nature's timing is right, may be blooming giant red blooms. And for a bit of trivia ... The Pollaro's 1882 Italianate Villa was built by George Braun, Denison's original Anhueser Busch Distributor.

Demo: Earl and Sylvia Deaver, ceramic artists, will be demonstrating their art and techniques. Find their work at Gainesville Visual Art Studio (940.372.8176). Find examples of their work at: http://www.gainesvilleareavisualarts.orq

Home B. Robert and Sherry Rumsey
2502 Renaissance Circle, Denison

This yard is a standout in spring and summer with its bright and cheerful perennial beds and trees. Terraced beds include Indian Hawthorne, Mexican Butter Cup, and Homestead Verbena. The front is flanked by Magnolia and Crepe Myrtle trees as well as Day Lilies, Lantana, Columbine, and large pots of colorful annuals. In the backyard, a covered patio is fragranced by citrus trees and around the pool with two waterfalls, flowing Windmill Palm, hardy Hibiscus, and Texas Mountain Laurel are at home amidst many tropicals.

Demo: Glenda Jones, Jeweler, will be demonstrating her Art and its techniques. Find Glenda’s work at SoHo Studio and Gallery, 613 W. Main St., Denison 903.744.2555. Find examples of Glenda’s work at: www.Facebook.com/sohojones.

Home C. Hoyte and Deneice Ridlehuber
3509 Deer Creek Circle, Denison

This garden is tiered with flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees including two gazebos, a pool and outdoor living area. The Ridlehuber’s are partial to native plants of Texas and the South and highlight them in their garden. Water lovers, Hoyte and Deneice feature a 20-foot native rock waterfall in their backyard.

Demo: Lisa Thornhill, Decorative Painter, will be
demonstrating her Art and its techniques.

Home D. Jerry and Robin Holbert
1017 N. Woods St., Sherman

Centered around a pool, the Holbert’s “Southern Eclectic" garden is a mixture of sun and shade. Grape vines (that do not produce grapes) were started from cuttings a friend gave them five years ago. The original cuttings arrived in the United States taped to the stomachs of Lebanese immigrants who, fortunately, made it through Ellis Island without getting caught. Jerry and Robin brine and can the young leaves to make Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves) year round. It’s fine with them if folks pick some vines and they will share their recipe. Holly trees are a screen for the spa and swimming pool and antique roses grace the front flower beds. The Holbert’s also maintain a neighborhood vegetable garden.

Demo: Larry Nye, Leather & Silver Artist, will be demonstrating his Art and its techniques. Find his work at Cowboy Leather Emporium 1217 W. Washington, Sherman. Find examples of Larry’s work at www.cowboyleatheremporium.com

Home E. Bob & Doris Whitmire
2501 Oakbrook Circle, Sherman

Come see the ‘home’ Bob and Doris are creating for their roses amongst the Maple trees and charming Wisteria and classic Ivy that climbs their European style home. In a shade garden near the creek, Bob and Doris have an intimate dining area where they like to enjoy a glass of wine. Feel free to ask them what’s growing in the perennial and raised seed-starting beds.

Demo: Darlene Cottier, master gardener:
“Amending Our Clay Soils”

Demo: Missy Sofey, MultiMedia Painter, will be demonstrating her Art and its techniques. Find examples of Missy’s work at: www.facebook.com/missyart