Garden Walk #1

619 Woodridge, Elgin, IL (backyard not viewable from street)

Here are a few images from a recent garden walk offered by Elgin West City Gardeners and sponsored by Elgin Area American Association of University Women. I wasn't overly wowed but I am always curious to view fellow gardeners' diverse handiwork when it comes to filling up the yard with perennials, trees, and annuals. No matter the size, I certainly appreciate the time, energy and diligence put in to creating those garderners' intriguing masterpieces.

Many on display were pocket-size gardens (except the above photo) so planting many different varieties of plants in a limited space created a unique challenge.  All three of these expanded their flower beds out to the curbs solving the problem of where to grow all those divided plants we all struggle not to throw in the compost pile.

We paid $24.00 for two tickets, but for free you can see a few of these gardens just by driving by--or better yet, parking down the block and slowly strolling past--since a few gardens were situated on corner lots.

Pat Hill, the owner of this native-filled yard, presented guests with a list of native plants happily residing and surrounding a restored Sears bungalow. She was on hand to answer questions and give advice, but she also has complete how-to details on growing native plants in her book "Design Your Natural Midwest Garden" which can be purchased locally at Books at Sunset in Elgin or on Amazon.

626 Orange Street, Elgin, IL

The following home sits on a small 50 ft. wide city lot and demonstrates how one huge tree's overhanging canopy still allows for other varieties of shade plants to flourish under it in earnest. To add to this owner's workload, this larch tree, a conifer but deciduous tree, loses its leaves in the autumn. And directly under it is a pond and side stream with a small bridge. I'd like to stop by in the fall and check out how he manages with the impending cleanup.

250 South Melrose, Elgin. Note the Larch tree branches hanging over the pond!

Here is another house (currently for sale!) which is a Sears catalog home. The front and sides of the corner lot of this sweet country-cottage style garden are also easy to observe from the street and sidewalk. It's at 670 Oak Street, Elgin, IL

Every garden looks better with whimsy added!

Couldn't resist adding this last picture. Anyone remember the movie/documentary Grey Gardens? Great way to add your own Grey Garden touches.