Recently Christopher, my son, his girlfriend, Celeste and I drove down to Tennessee. Each of us had our own purpose for making the trek. Christopher, as an incoming freshman, was attending the summer orientation for Middle Tennessee State University. This was his chance to register for classes, meet potential friends, and start to acclimate to literally a new climate. It was also important for him to share with his girlfriend where he would be spending the next four years. For Celeste, it was an opportunity for her to continue to do what she is so wonderful at; support someone who is important to her. For me, I just wandered around looking at the beautiful plants. Smokebush, dogwood, holly – Oh MY! As I was exclaiming the virtues of plant after plant to the ambivalent kids, Christopher muttered to Celeste “This is what my mom does! She talks about plants!” I guess as the saying goes “You need to know your audience.”
Want to wander around the look at beautiful plants set in absolutely gorgeous gardens? Please consider attending the Sunflower Garden Club Garden Walk on Saturday, July 13. The theme this year is “Walk through our Gardens,” and nine homes will be featured in the walk. The Railroad Club will also have the trains running in their gardens. Maps of the homes in Sun City will be available between 10-11:30 a.m. on the day of the walk. Simply drive through the portico at the Prairie Lodge to pick up a map. The walk is from 10-2, admission is free and the public is invited. For more information please contact Judy Etten at judyetten6385@gmail.com or call 224-858-7781.
A few gardeners who are participating in the Garden Walk have agreed to give us a glimpse into their gardens and what motivates them to garden.
For Carol, gardening can have the added benefit of being a social activity. “It relieves my stress and gets me out into the sunshine. Plus I live on a corner so many of my neighbors and passers-by stop by to talk, so I have met many friendly people through gardening and belonging to the Garden Club.”
Richard’s garden attracts hummingbirds and several species of butterflies. He has incorporated a series of evergreens including boxwood and yews. His garden also includes topiaries, nasturtiums, potted herbs and alpine currant. Geraniums are also planted in abundance.
When visiting Susan’s home, make sure to check out her new garden. It is located in the front of her home near the walkway. Her garden is a labor of love since she has worked hard to create everything herself. As she so eloquently writes, “I feel my garden is a place to be closer to God – it’s very spiritual for me. I just love flora and fauna.”
Like most of us, Jacque occasionally has a problem with rabbits in her garden. The hardscape materials in her garden including an arbor, birdbath, fountain and waterfall all work together to create a wonderful effect!
All of the gardeners agree that gardening leads to better health. As Richard so wonderfully states, “I get lost in the garden. It is my safe space where I can think, relax mediate and pray. It refreshes my soul and never disappoints me…well, maybe, no never!”
Please set aside Saturday, July 13 to view the gardens in the Sunflower Garden Walk. Just like Richard’s garden – they will not disappoint!
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
