After completing a successful fundraiser, Cultura Garden Club members have been busy beautifying downtown Russellville. Proceeds from the annual mum sale were used to purchase supplies for the fall streetscapes on Main Street.  

Some members have taken road trips visiting various gardens. In September they joined with Book Lovers Study Club members and traveled to Brilliant to tour the garden of Trace Barnett, a natural-born entertainer, creator, decorator, gardener, chef and jack-of-all-trades. 

Trace restored a family’s 1930s barn that now serves as his very own country-chic abode. He furnished and decorated it with antiques and unique art. He enjoys gardening, raising chickens, beekeeping and more.  

Trace enjoys scheduling groups to visit his garden and home.

The first of October members traveled to Moulton to tour the Ravenwood home of Duane and Alice Evans. Nestled in Bankhead Forest, the historical log house was purchased and remodeled with additions by the Evans couple. Now the “lodge” has six bedrooms and five baths, which will accommodate several people. The interior is furnished with beautiful antiques, heirlooms and artwork. 

Their dream is to make the 5,000-square-foot, multi-level complex into a place where writers and artists can come to work in quiet serenity, to get their creative juices flowing and share ideas with others who create images and words from inside their souls. 

“It’s a work in progress,” said Duane. “We will eventually have four miles of hiking trails, gardens with statuary, a chapel, a library and a pavilion for large gatherings. 

Originally from Utah, Duane is an author of western books such as “Bad Water,” “Jacob’s Hollow,” “Mimbre Trail,” “Village of White Men” and “The Longest Trail.” His wife, Alice, is a retired teacher and is part owner of a publishing company in Birmingham.

By Susie Malone