Bailey and her late husband, Ken Bailey, started “Barboretum” at their property in Bethel Twp. east of Tipp City in 2003.
The wooded area on private property features both common and unusual varieties of deciduous trees and conifers, many that Bailey said won’t be found in local garden centers.
The array of varieties will be shared as part of a new program — Tree Tour & Talk — being offered by the Miami County Master Gardeners organization Aug. 25. Activities will be at the West Charleston Church of the Brethren, 4817 S. Ohio 202, Tipp City, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Among events will be a two-hour walking tour of Barboretum.
Bailey said the trees were selected from nurseries locally along with those in Oregon and the Chicago and Cleveland areas.
“We have, in many cases, chosen the largest we can find since we don’t have so long as someone younger to watch them mature,” she said.
“We have specifically focused on Oak and Beech to showcase most of their specific varieties for study, but we have many more over which folks may scratch their heads,” Bailey said.
She said the conifers are equally as interesting, with some keeping their needles year-round and changing colors, adding seasons’ contrast and variety to the landscape.
Among the speakers will be Fred Hower, known as The Ohio Nurseryman, who has more than 50 years experience as horticultural consultant, certified arborist and landscape designer. He is host of the “Plant Talk” radio show.
Deb Castle of the county master gardeners and program co-chair said program planning has been going on for about a year, with around 20 other master gardeners volunteering.
The day’s other speakers include Steve Foltz, director horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. He is responsible for a plant collection that includes 3,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, tropical plants, grasses, bulbs, perennials and annuals. Also speaking will be Bill Henricks, president of Klyn Nurseries, who has more than 50 years experience in the industry and travels talking about plant benefits to the environment along with people’s health and well being.
The $60 cost for the day includes lunch.
For more information, call 937-409-1582 or email debcastle@live.com.
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