Williamson Herald
Mindy Tate
news@williamsonherald.com


The tour will begin on Friday, May 16, and end on Sunday May 18. On Friday, the tour will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.; and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tickets for the tour will be $10 per person with all proceeds benefiting WAVES Inc., a 35-year-old non-profit agency that provides a wide range of support and services to adults and children with developmental disabilities in Williamson County. To learn more about WAVES Inc. please visit www.wavesinc.com.

Tickets and community maps will be available each tour date at the Westhaven Residents' Club, which is located at 401 Cheltenham Ave. Westhaven (www.westhaventn.com) is located just three miles from downtown Franklin off Highway 96 West.

This year's courtyards are distinct from one another. There are several gardens that will showcase their outdoor living areas. More than a courtyard, these outdoor spaces are functional for gathering and entertaining in the outdoors. There are also several gardens that show horticulture at its best. Westhaven is nationally recognized for its widespread incorporation of horticulture which accents the community's design and creates beautiful streetscapes and green areas. The homeowners on this tour have implemented this philosophy into their personal courtyards and have created both innovative and beautiful courtyards.

The most unique attraction this year is the introduction of the "Stonewater Mountain Railroad." There will be over 340 feet of railroad track that will weave through a beautiful miniature garden to create a railway-like atmosphere.

This year’s courtyards are distinct from one another. There are several gardens that will showcase their outdoor living areas. More than a courtyard, these outdoor spaces are functional for gathering and entertaining in the outdoors. There are also several gardens that show horticulture at its best. Westhaven is nationally recognized for its widespread incorporation of horticulture which accents the community’s design and creates beautiful streetscapes and green areas. The homeowners on this tour have implemented this philosophy into their personal courtyards and have created both innovative and beautiful courtyards.

The most unique attraction this year is the introduction of the “Stonewater Mountain Railroad.” There will be over 340 feet of railroad track that will weave through a beautiful miniature garden to create a railway-like atmosphere. “This garden railroad blends naturally into the court yard and will focus on detailed miniature plantings,” said Larry Webb, designer and owner of the railroad.

Garden railroading combines two hobbies – model trains and gardening. The Webb’s moved to Westhaven from Southern California where they were known for their “Little Vista Garden Railway”. In California, there railway had a “western town” theme and was called “One of the finest Garden Railways in the Nation” by Model Railroader Magazine. The Webb’s have changed the theme of their new railroad in Tennessee to a “Westhaven” theme and have purchased buildings with architecture similar to what is seen in Westhaven.

With an abundance of horticulture, amazing outdoor living areas, and the first garden railroad in Westhaven, there will be something for everyone to see.

In addition to the courtyards, the 2008 St. Jude Dream Home will be open for the public to see and fits in nicely on the tour.