Stroll this beautiful pastoral setting hidden in the middle of Mound City in a valley created by the Loess Bluffs. Enjoy the half acre pond and island restored 29 years ago. The pond was previously known as Moss’s Pond and associated with some local lore. The gardener’s colorful flower beds are interspersed on this 4-acre yard. There is much to be learned at this site about the construction and maintenance of this water feature.

Mother Nature displays her beautiful handiwork in the twisted and gnarled vines and bountiful fruit of this vineyard. The gardeners began this vineyard as a part of the Mound City Development Corporation in 2005. The vine variety is Chambourcin and has been sold by the ton to wineries for inclusion in various wines. The gardeners, plus an extension specialist, will be ready to discuss the pros and cons of raising grapes, as well as sharing advice on pests in the vineyard and flower and vegetable gardens.

The Loess Bluffs Refuge offers a unique and colorful garden for those who desire to incorporate more native plants and pollinators in traditional gardens. Through native plants, gardeners can attract more hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators to the garden for a more environmentally healthy garden. Master Naturalists, Friends of Loess Bluffs and a Master Gardener will be available to answer questions and point out the wide variety of plants in the garden.

Over 50 years of the love of gardening is reflected in this couple’s luxuriously verdant shade garden with hostas galore. This garden is hidden from the public, although the streetside garden is also lovely to admire. Attention to detail in design, color and lighting in container and in-ground gardening abounds in every nook and cranny of the landscape.

By Margaret Slayton, Reporter, Mound City News

Missouri Extension (MU) in Holt County will be hosting the 2024 Hidden Gardens of Loess Bluffs Garden Tour at six distinctly unique gardens in and around Mound City on Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, June 23.

The six gardens that have been selected this year are The Shady Lady Garden located at 1406 Nebraska Street; Panoramic Garden located at 16629 U.S. Hwy. 59N; The Birdhouse: Farm & Nursery Garden located at 403 Frazer Street; Pond & Posies located at 1521 Sunset Boulevard; the Harvest Vineyard located at 309 Weightman Road; and Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge’s native garden located at Highway 159 South. Each location has a different landscaping goal ranging from a tranquility pool to vegetable harvest. Attendees may start the tour at any location.

This event is free to the public but free will donations will be accepted. Proceeds will be used to fund future garden tours and educational projects for which Holt County Field Specialists may need funding. Twenty-seven Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri businesses are helping to sponsor the event. The MU Holt County Extension Council would like to thank the local business sponsors of the event. Last year the Holt County garden tour focused on the southern part of Holt County, but the plan is to offer the tours in different parts of the county each year.

Extension Field Specialists and representatives from organizations such as the Friends of Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Missouri Master Naturalists, and Master Gardeners will be on-site at the gardens to answer questions. Topics that will be discussed include shade gardening, permaculture, raising poultry, pond management, aeration and engineering, pest management, growing small fruit, native plants and ways to increase pollinator species.

There will be new options and activities added to the tour this year including a Tai Chi demonstration in an inspirational setting on one of the bluff gardens and a scavenger hunt for children by 4-H members. Craisy Daisy & Hole in the Wall Coffee & Ice Cream will provide a free 16 ounce drink or double scoop of ice cream per family for those who find one of 10 tickets hidden throughout the store. In addition, R/Farm Distilling Co. will be serving a secret Hidden Gardens of Loess Bluffs cocktail for $10 each for patrons who stop by during the tour.

Kelsie Sager, owner of Easy Going Grooming in Mound City, designed the artwork and logo for the garden tour.

Registration is appreciated but not required. There are no public restrooms, pets are not welcome, and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations call the Holt County Extension Office at 660-446-3724.