By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
June 20, 2012

Curtis Padilla’s nine-year-old water garden is a continual work in progress.

Over the years, it’s been a “hit or miss” project, he said. But with a garden, “If you plant something and you don’t like it, you can change it.”

The Northeast resident’s garden features a Tuscany theme and will once again be featured in the Annual Water Garden Tour sponsored by the Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City. The tour will be held July 7-8 and will highlight more than 50 gardens ranging from private gardens to nature centers.

Asked how long it took him to create his tranquil garden, Padilla laughed and said, “About nine years. Every year it’s something new and different.”

Padilla first tested his green thumb after viewing a friend’s water garden.

“I just fell in love with it,” he said.

A variety of annuals and perennials fill his backyard and his favorite aspect of the garden is the pond. During the evenings, he’ll sit by the pond, listening to the soothing water and the songs of the bull frogs.

Now in his seventh year of participating in the tour, Padilla said he enjoys inspiring others to plant gardens and stressing that a decorative garden doesn’t have to break the budget.

“I just enjoy gardening. That’s what I do all summer,” he said. “I just like to show people how fun it is.”

Water Garden Tour
• When: July 7-8; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain or Shine
• Cost: $10
• For a complete list of ticket locations, visit www.kcwatergardens.com
• Bus tours are available. Call Connie Halastik, (816) 419-3245