Get ready to immerse yourself in Galveston’s natural beauty and rich history at the annual Fran Kelly Fall Garden Tour hosted by the East End Historic District Association. 

 Chairperson Jill Peveto and her dedicated committee have spearheaded the event for eight years and strive to uphold the tradition in honor of Fran Kelly. The garden tour was started by Kelly in 2009 to restore the neighborhood after Hurricane Ike. 

 The first Fall Garden Tour was a huge success, and it became an annual event, generating much-needed revenue for the East End Historic District Association. 

“Fran was a force of nature in the association and volunteered regularly for every event or fundraiser. She and her family were tragically lost last year in a fire. The garden tour is an honor to her memory.” 

 This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19. Participants have the chance to explore the meticulously maintained gardens of six historic homes, as well as the grounds of the League-Kempner House. 

 The inclusion of the iconic 1893 League-Kempner property in recent years underscores the tour’s mission to support local restoration efforts. The League-Kempner House, one of the city’s last remaining “Broadway Beauties,” is a testament to the city’s rich architectural history and the enduring spirit of preservation. 

Purchased in January 2021 by Janie Mitcham, this magnificent Victorian mansion is undergoing an extensive restoration. In a recent conversation with Mitcham, we explored the home’s storied past, its once-famous gardens, and the ongoing efforts to return the property to its former grandeur. 

 The house was designed by renowned architect Nicholas Clayton for Galveston businessman J.C. League and his wife, Nellie. The home was completed in 1893. 

“This home, built on half a city block, was not just a residence but a symbol of Galveston’s flourishing society,” Mitcham said. 

 The house once boasted an expansive backyard that included a pony training arena, and a tennis court used by Ball High School students. It remained a local landmark for decades. 

 In 1918, Eliza Kempner purchased the property. Her daughter, Frannie Adoue, transformed the backyard into formal gardens with a large greenhouse under the care of a full-time gardener. 

 The gardens became a jewel in the neighborhood, meticulously maintained and admired by many. After the property changed hands in 1972, the house and yard began to deteriorate. 

 “The house became invisible behind a jungle of brush. Years of neglect turned what had been a grand estate into an overgrown relic,” Mitcham said. 

 Since acquiring the house, Mitcham has been leading a massive restoration effort, hoping to restore the home and its garden to their former glory. The work hasn’t been easy, as the home has suffered significant structural damage over the years. 

 “One of the first steps was clearing the yard, opening up the view of the house again,” she said. “We [removed the boards from] the windows, put in new sidewalks, and slowly began to reverse decades of damage.” 

 The restoration is ongoing, but each phase brings new life to the once-abandoned mansion. 

 “We want to return this house to the community,” Mitcham said. “It’s not just about saving a building - it’s about preserving a piece of Galveston’s history.” 

 Last year, Garden Tour attendees were offered a sneak peek of the interior of the historic property, with access to the first two floors. This year, the full extent of the transformation will be on display as all four floors open for exploration. 

 “This year is special,” Mitcham said. “We’ve made so much progress, and we want the community to see what’s been done. The tour helps spread the word about the restoration effort and the importance of preserving these historical landmarks.” 

 Featured Gardens Peveto personally selects the homes and gardens for the tour each year, aiming to showcase a variety of designs and yard sizes. “The criteria are simple - all that is needed is a beautiful yard," she said. 

 For 2024, highlights include a formal English-style garden, a courtyard created from a blank slate, and a seven-foot topiary bear. 

 "That bear was impossible to resist," Peveto said. “It’s always a hit with visitors."

 Attendees can expect to spend about two hours exploring the gardens, though many make a day of it and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or participate in additional events held around The Cottage (1501 Post Office), which serves as the tour’s starting point. 

 A wristband grants entry to the self-paced tour. For $20, visitors can enjoy the gardens and partake in a plant sale, silent auction, and craft market. 

 These extra activities are hosted in Darragh Park and The Cottage, with many of the plants on sale directly mirroring those featured in the tour’s gardens. 

 What plants can visitors expect? Flowering hibiscus, Candlestick cassia, roses, zinnias, and Pride of Barbados are just a few that will delight the eye. 

 “My personal favorite is the Candlestick cassia," said Peveto, who noted that this striking plant is always a crowd-pleaser.

 For those eager to learn more about the gardens and their creation, docents will be stationed at each gate, while homeowners will be on hand to answer questions.

 "Every homeowner has their own story about how they brought their garden to life," she said. "Visitors love hearing about their journeys." 

 Proceeds from the garden tour benefit the East End Historical District, particularly the maintenance of the neighborhood’s two public parks - Darragh Park and Alderdice Park. These spaces are more than just beautiful; they serve as venues for weddings, birthday parties, and photography sessions. 

 Peveto said she hopes the tour will continue to inspire locals and visitors alike. 

 "It’s all about beautification and preservation," she said. "We want people to leave feeling motivated to create or improve their gardens." 

 The Fran Kelly Fall Garden Tour isn’t just a celebration of horticultural splendor - it’s a testament to the lasting impact one person’s vision can have on a community. Through the gardens, the historic homes, and the stories shared, Fran Kelly’s legacy blooms brighter every year, Peveto said. 

 The event will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 9am to 4pm with a starting point at The Cottage, 1501 Postoffice Street. Tickets are available online or at The Cottage on the day of the event for $20. For more information, please visit www.eastendhistoricaldistrict.org.