Eight gardens scattered throughout the communities of Cedar Lake, Dyer, Saint John, Schererville and Munster will be the highlights of the 2024 Lake County Master Gardeners Annual Garden Walk, which will be held, rain or shine, Sunday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Petra Julien, chairperson of this year's Garden Walk, promised that once again this year Master Gardeners and homeowners will be on hand to talk about their gardening experiences and answer any questions.
“Visitors can see a variety of beautiful flowers, plants and landscaping designs in the gardens,” Julian said.
“Each garden has its own style and character, creating a diverse and enjoyable experience for visitors.”
This year, three homes have incorporated a Japanese theme into their landscaping: visitors will find a miniature Japanese garden with tranquil koi ponds and fountains, and at another home, artisans built a gated enclosure using Japanese woodwork made from California cedar and plaster, all imported from Japan.
“One of the gardens is inspired by English and European gardens, with a checkerboard pattern on the lawn and an outdoor train set with 80 feet of track,” Garden Walk co-chair Marsha Davidson said.
“There's also an entertainment garden with a raised deck centered around an outdoor kitchen and next to a water feature with a stream running over rocks.”
Mr Davidson said pollinator insects and hummingbirds were being given “special treatment” at two of the homes, and vegetables were being grown in some of the gardens that were part of this year's walk.
“These eight gardens were chosen because they showcase a variety of horticultural techniques, designs and plant types,” Julien said.
“These gardens have been selected to provide inspiration and ideas for visitors who want to improve their own gardens. What's more, the owners of these gardens have generously offered to open their private spaces to the public for this special occasion.”
New this year during the Garden Walk is a formal Cool Down Station where visitors can take a break with a refreshing drink, browse educational information on pollinators and cicadas, and pick up seeds and door prizes.
Tickets are $15 (cash or check only) and are open to anyone 12 years of age and older and can be purchased at local retailers including Alsip's, The Artful Garden, Elzinga's, Leo's, Mighty Mike's Tires, Niemeyer's, Practically Magic, Remus, Walt's and Bee Quilting & Such. Tickets can also be purchased online at LCMGA “Meet Me in the Garden” Garden Walk 2024 on Eventbrite.
Like the Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale in May, the Garden Walk supports the mission of “Helping Others Grow.” Both events raise funds to support scholarships for students of horticulture and related studies, as well as grants for local gardening projects that benefit the Lake County communities the Gardeners serve. Past fundraisers have raised more than $15,000 to give back to the community.
“Proceeds from the Garden Walk are used to support local community gardens, scholarships, grants and gardening education programs. By participating in the Walk, visitors will not only enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, but they will also be contributing to important work that benefits our community and the environment,” Julian said.
The Lake County Master Gardeners Association is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Comprised of volunteers who have received intensive horticulture education through the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program, LCMGA is affiliated with Purdue Extension in Lake County, Indiana.
For more information, visit lakecountymastergardeners.org. To nominate a garden for next year's Garden Walk, contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and marketing director for Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.
