Backyard water gardens open for tour Saturday BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent FILE PHOTO Several area property owners will open their yards to the public for charity as part of this weekend's Parade of Ponds, sponsored by Grounds Keeper Inc., of Matawan. MATAWAN - Area residents need not go far this weekend to experience the beauty of nature. It may be as close as their neighbor's backyard, as New Jersey presents its addition to the North American Water Society's Parade of Ponds tour. Now in its second year, the event will give visitors the chance to view more than a dozen private water gardens Saturday, many of which will include pools, streams and waterfalls. The event is sponsored by the Matawan-based Grounds Keeper Inc., an award-winning design, build and landscape firm that caters to all of New Jersey. "It showcases the water-gardening lifestyle," Grounds Keeper President Jay Eriv said of the event. "It brings home a whole other world you don't usually see." Providing more than just an enjoyable morning garden jaunt, the parade also has a charitable basis behind it. Donations from patrons will be given to the American Diabetes Association and Township With a Heart, an organization that assists residents of Old Bridge who are in need. "The parade benefits so many worthy organizations across the nation," Eriv said. "We are just one of hundreds of cities participating in this annual event. Our goal is to raise as much as possible for our local charities." Grounds Keeper hopes to top the success of last year's parade, which raised around $2,500 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The day will begin at 9 a.m. at the Grounds Keeper site, located at 798 Route 34, Matawan, or at Barlow's Flower Farm at 1014 Sea Girt Ave., Sea Girt. At both locations, visitors will be equipped with a map to self-guide participants through the sites being presented. Buses sponsored by Grounds Keeper will also be available for a guided tour. Just some of the sites on the tour include Christine and Bob Guido's West Long Branch private garden sanctuary, which is complete with wisteria, Japanese maples and a fountain, as well as Pat Tistan's Old Bridge garden, which includes an 8,000-gallon koi fish pond. The last stop on the tour will be Eriv's own private water garden. Many stops will include refreshments offered by the garden owners, who will also be available to speak with visitors. "It's going to be a lovely day, like a walk in the park," Eriv said. More information can be found on the Grounds Keeper Inc. Web site, www.groundskeeperinc1973.com.