The neighborhood was buzzing with visitors, and the sun was shining bright on Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Yarden Tour, which took place May 17.
The neighborhood outing drew patrons from far and wide during its fifth-year showcase, which had a plot twist of rain dates and rescheduling. A pivot from the original date on Mother’s Day weekend turned out to be a great decision for RAP and its volunteer core, as downpours would have dampened the best laid plans.
“Riverside Avondale Preservation’s 5th Annual Yarden Tour was a showcase of dedicated homeowners who put in countless hours planting, growing, and cultivating yards and gardens to create an inspired ecosystem that perfectly aligns with our neighborhood,” shared Shannon Blankinship, executive director of RAP. “They, along with the Yarden Tour’s sponsors, Master Gardeners, and vast base of volunteers, were essential in executing such a fun and meaningful event, which aligns seamlessly into RAP’s mission to preserve, enhance, and celebrate Riverside Avondale’s historic fabric, arts and culture, local businesses and public spaces.”
Neighborhood gardens were in full bloom and stops along the tour provided plenty of educational opportunities, style insights and design ideas. With nine separate properties showcased, five local business stops and RAP’s Buckland House on Herschel Street hosting ticket sales, the day was packed full of interesting locations – from succulents and a secret splash pool at Palm Springs on Pine Street to the further reaches of Riverside at the Bricks and Blooms residence. The wide range of homes and spaces continue to make the tour a unique and eye-opening experience for those seeking a great day of adventure.
One trio of visitors the day together walking the area, thankful that they were able to make the rescheduled event. Daughters Kim Miller and Holly Stenzel were grateful that the rains didn’t hamper their special day together as they celebrated their mother, Linda Phillips.
“This is our belated Mother’s Day celebration,” shared the ladies, as they made their way through the entire tour. “We’re so glad they moved it to this weekend.”
Impact felt by fundraising, parks benefit
Thanks to its popularity, The Yarden Tour has become a significant event that’s been funneling proceeds back into parks in the area. Back in 2024, RAP’s Board of Directors declared 100% of the proceeds from the last tour to be committed entirely to park improvements. One such park, John Murray Forbes Park, was on display this year as it sits at the foot of King Street as part of the Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Campus.
The newly improved park has been enhanced by local landscape architect, Rick Pariani, who designed a park space that honored the Boston-born developer of Yellow Bluff, what today is referred to as Riverside, where Forbes platted historic street grids and original maps of the area. Pariani’s vision was shared and embraced by JaxParks, which then planted trees, created new sidewalks and fabricated seating in the park, greatly improving the space. The reboot was necessary following construction staging on the park, which had left the park in disrepair.
Extras and entertainment for tour enthusiasts
The Yarden Tour also featured live painting by Tatiana Kitchen, who spent time at 1850 Powell Place during the tour. Kitchen’s painting of the AvonDahlia Manor was complete with butterflies and gardens. Also appearing on the tour were Good Pluck Trio, who were on-site at the Fairy Cottage with Live Art at 1748 Talbot Ave. Infamous Honey Dripper’s frozen treats were available at the John Murray Forbes house for a refreshing Eastside throwback. Happy Medium Books Café, Cultivate, Biscotti’s and The Greenhouse Bar were also participating vendors, offering food and beverages alongside activities and specials throughout the day to enhance the tour.
The 2025 Yarden Tour committee members invite anyone interested in curating next year’s event to reach out to [email protected]. This year’s roster included Nick Salter, Judy Matheny, Bruce Musser, Candace Barone, Alex Gornik, Diamond Deazle, Kim Rutowski, Kandice Clark and Casey Roth. For more on the Yarden Tour and dates for next year’s event, visit riversideavondale.org/upcoming-events/.
