5th annual Yarden Tour

The 5th annual Yarden Tour presented by The Salter Group will be held on May 17 from 10-4pm, featuring seven diverse yards and gardens, one newly replanted park, and one commercial location with plants and garden expertise. This event is ideal for anyone wanting to explore the backyards and gardens of Riverside and Avondale, with the ability to ask questions and learn more from Master Gardeners along the way.

Ticket purchasers receive a program full of information about each garden on the tour, as well as fun facts and scavenger hunt info. This event is hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation, seeking to celebrate and preserve the historic communities of Riverside and Avondale, including our rich biodiversity and ecosystems.

*Special Feature, Garden Twilight Party

For the first time, we are featuring one evening location, 7-9pm, for Twilight Party Ticket Purchasers only on Thursday, May 22 (revised rain date). A historically preserved formal garden of symmetrical patterns and defined pathways, the Garden Twilight Party home has changed very little in the last 100 years. The owner has preserved the historic walls of the garden as well as the distinct “window” on the rear right side allowing for river views from the bedroom window of Mrs. Helen Parrott, the home's original owner. Today, the garden is surrounded by layers of lush greenery, fruiting and flowering trees, and winding pathways extending from the central formal fountain. The mystery of the backyard space is the unexpected layout of grandeur. Not an inch of the garden is wasted or undefined.

During the Twilight party, guests will enjoy music by Brooke Garwood from the from the raised porch. Food will be provided by Biscottis, a staple for residents in the Avondale neighborhood and Jacksonville at large. Signature drinks provided by Luau Lads will include Bees Knees, Sour Orange Margarita, Old Fashioned, and an Eastern Sour, a whiskey sour with orange and almond notes, plus more. Proceeds from both events fund the historic parks of Riverside and Avondale. ****NOTE THE REVISED DATE: Thursday, May 22.

Here are the addresses on the tour this year from 10am-4pm, for ticket purchasers

3733 Pine St., Palm Springs on Pine

1748 Talbot Ave., Fairy Cottage with Live Art

3507 Riverside Ave., The Big Easy Courtyard & Terrace

1407 Avondale Ave., Spanish Gates

1850 Powell Pl., Avondahlia Manor

2633 Dellwood Ave., Bricks and Blooms

2700 St. Johns Ave., John Murray Forbes Park

1744 Challen Ave., St. Francis Garden

2724 Park St., Happy Medium Books & Cafe

• Presenting Sponsor: The Salter Group
• Canopy Sponsors
• Good Condition
• Jim Love – State Farm Insurance
• Magnolia Sponsors 
• Greenhouse Bar
• Aura Plant Studios
• Hairpeace Salon
• Alex Gornik LLC
• Biscottis
• The Resident Community Newsgroup
• Camellia Sponsors
• Wacca Pilatka Native Landscape
• Cool Stuff Vintage
• Cultivate