(June 13, 2002)

From Their Gardens To Yours
Melpomene's 8th Annual Garden Tour

ST PAUL MN (June 13, 2002) What's better than a Sunday afternoon stroll through the garden? A stroll through some of the most beautiful and elaborate private gardens in St. Paul. That's exactly what visitors will be doing at Melpomene's 8th Annual Garden Tour on July 21st from 1-5 p.m. They can visit the 10 gardens in an hour or pause a little longer to smell the flowers.

The tour will benefit programs and research to help women and girls improve their health through physical activity. The gardens range in shape and size, from English cottage to Japanese providing do-it-yourself ideas and inspiration. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and refreshments will be available en route. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour. Call Melpomene at (651) 642-1951 to register or log on to www.melpomene.org. Same day tickets can be purchased at 144 Mississippi River Blvd. S.

Judy Wehrwein, a native of England, brought English style to her St. Paul garden. From her garden's unusual shape, in which no two sides are parallel or equal in length, spring winding paths and flowerbeds full of annuals, perennials and climbing vines. Tying it all together is her arborvitae hedge, uniquely trimmed into a curving line to frame the garden.

Judy values the exercise involved in gardening, which is why she supports the work of Melpomene. Gardening is a particularly accessible activity as anyone can do it at anytime. Rather than making an appointment at a gym, as Judy says, "just step out your door and become involved in it." A major draw of her hobby is that it gets her outside and moving. Her attitude mirrors the goals of Melpomene, which teaches that anyone can get involved in physical activity regardless of gender, age, or circumstances, reaping numerous benefits to health and wellness.

Kathy Freeman's garden, which consists of her own yard plus half the adjacent one shared with her neighbor, surrounds her home in a surplus of bloom. Accented by a wrought iron fence, the garden is brightened by lilacs, roses and much more. There are many favorites, but Kathy says she most enjoys the fragrance and quiet of her garden from the patio. Her garden is a testament to the fact that anything is possible on a small city lot. All that is needed is creativity.

The creative urge inspires Kathy day after day but it is her commitment to exercise that gives her the stamina she needs. Exercise during the winter months helps Kathy jump right back into the stretching and lifting of gardening. When there's free time, she has no trouble deciding what to do first. "There's no way I'd sit in front of a TV or a computer all day when I could go out and garden," Kathy says.

Melpomene supports Kathy's efforts by being the premier motivational resource encouraging women of all ages to integrate physical activity into their lives. To find out more about Melpomene's programs, research and membership opportunities, visit our website at www.melpomene.org. While there, register for Melpomene's Garden Tour on July 21st. The gardens will be waiting in full bloom.

Melpomene
Melpomene strives to be the foremost networking resource for women and girls wanting to improve their lives and health through the enjoyment and challenge of physical activity.

[Source: Jenna Zark, Public Relations Director, Melpomene Institute for Women's Health, 1010 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104, 651-642-1951 phone 651-642-1871 fax, publicrelations@melpomene.org]