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All the stars aligned for the inaugural Courtyard and Garden Tour sponsored by the Stanly County Historical Society on April 30.

The weather cooperated with gentle breezes and warm temperatures. Flowers bloomed profusely and the varied garden designs provided subtle ideas to those touring the 10 properties in Albemarle and in the northern area of Stanly County.

Society members served as greeters for the day before they took the opportunity to tour the gardens.

Following months of the Covid pandemic, the Courtyard and Garden Tour offered a much desired safe opportunity for a social event. When we were greeted with glowing remarks, we knew we had created a special opportunity.

Our special thanks go out to the property owners who, with pride and great attention to detail, worked tirelessly to provide us a peek into their gardens.

To our sponsors, we are grateful for your trust and confidence, as you provided a financial foundation for us to launch this tour. We hope we have reciprocated by acknowledging your firms: Bushwacker’s Landscaping, Hudson Pool Distributors, Inc., McAulayAllen Design, NJR Group, Inc. and Smith’s Home Furnishings. Special contributors were Mauney’s Farm, Home, and Garden, Polly Furr Design & Illustration and The Corner Supermarket.

We are thankful to all those who participated in this event. The proceeds from this event will facilitate the goals of the Stanly County Historical Society by providing funding for historical education programs and events, and will aid in preservation of our historic properties.

We wish to acknowledge the exemplary cooperation of B.J. Drye and the Stanly New & Press for their advance articles on the Courtyard and Garden Tour. Our hometown newspaper at its best!

Kent Harkey, president
Joyce Lambert, treasurer and event chair
Stanly County Historical Society