By: Aubry Winfrey, Becky Melton, Kathy Tanner and Debbie Clark
One of the joys that comes from Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is sharing the stories behind each special element of the gardens. Over the last few months, as we have rebuilt the gardens, many different teams have come together to install a variety of fountains and water features. Today, we are excited to share some of these stories with you and invite you to come and enjoy them for yourself.
Tranquility Fountain
The Tranquility Fountain was originally installed in the Atrium as a gift from Lee Armstrong and Mike Lumpkin in 2016. The fountain survived the storm and was found in pieces under the sand.
The only thing missing was the little birds who sat on the top. But luckily, our friends at Gardenwoods in Rutherfordton, NC found replacement birds and the fountain has been fully restored. The Tranquility Fountain is dedicated to all the volunteers who have worked so hard to keep our gardens beautiful. We really can’t do this without them!
Reflection Point Fountain
This special fountain was given by the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge volunteers in memory of Kathy Tanner’s mother, Vicky Gallman. Kathy selected the blue fountain at Garden Woods for two reasons: blue was her mother’s favorite color, and Vicky was a teacher who loved the idea that children can feel the trickling water.
Originally installed on the east end, it was later moved to the west end and was in the Come Sit Awhile Garden when Hurricane Helene hit. Volunteers from Spokes of Hope recovered the fountain and it has been restored. The fountain was installed in the Reflection Point Terrace in August.
Atrium Fountain
This beautiful new fountain features an embossed lion head top tier with lion head feet supporting the round basin. Located in the middle of the Atrium shade garden, a large fern holds court as water spurts out of the lion heads into the basin filled with aquatic plants. The fountain supplier is Jennifer Long from “Potted Perfections” in Georgia. She is an exterior designer specializing in concrete fountains, and statues. You can see more of her work at http://www.byjenniferlong.com.
Come Sit awhile waterfall – This waterfall invites you to slow down and come and sit awhile. A glider bench, donated by the Tripp Langham family in memory of Tripp’s wife, Tracy, and chairs invite visitors to enjoy a peaceful moment as the waterfall cascades through the garden. The space is surrounded by blooming shrubs. Roses, gardenias, and hydrangeas anchor this garden while perennials and annuals give color year-round. This water feature was custom built for us by Jay’s Landscaping and Supply of Columbus, NC. and was sponsored by the Emily and Charlie Yelton family and the David and Sally Royster family.
There are more water features for you to explore coming soon, including the very exciting new Rainbow Bridge River. Stay tuned for updates on our social media and website at lakelurefloweringbridge.org.
