Eight gardens scattered among the communities of Cedar Lake, Dyer, St. John, Schererville and Munster are highlighted for the 2024 Lake County Master Gardeners Annual Garden Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, rain or shine.
This year’s Garden Walk chair Petra Julian assured me that once again, both Master Gardeners and the homeowners will be on hand to share their experiences with gardening and answer questions.
“Visitors can expect to see a variety of beautiful flowers, plants and landscaping designs in the gardens,” Julian said.
“Each garden has its own unique style and features, creating a diverse and enjoyable experience for visitors.”
Three of the homes this year incorporate Japanese themes into the landscaping. Guests will see a miniature Japanese garden with a peaceful koi pond and fountain, while at another home, craftsmen built a gate enclosure by using Japanese joinery constructed from California cedar and plaster, all shipped from Japan.
“One of the gardens is inspired by the gardens of Britain and Europe with a checkerboard pattern in the grass and an outdoor train with an 80-foot railway,” said Garden Walk Co-Chair Marcia Davidson.
“We also have an entertainment garden centered around an outdoor kitchen with a raised deck beside a water feature with a stream running over rocks.”
Davidson said pollinators and hummingbirds are given “extra special treatment” at two homes, and vegetables are grown in several of the gardens that are part of this year’s walk.
“These eight gardens were chosen because they showcase a range of gardening techniques, designs and plant varieties,” Julian said.
“They were selected to provide inspiration and ideas for visitors looking to improve their own gardens. Additionally, the owners of these gardens have generously volunteered to open their private spaces to the public for this special day.”
New to this year’s garden walk is a formal cooling station where visitors can rest with a refreshing drink and browse educational information about pollinators and cicadas, with seeds and door prizes available.
Tickets are $15 (cash or check only), required for anyone older than age 12, and available at several local vendors: 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 Eventbrite: LCMGA “Meet Me in the Garden” Garden Walk 2024.
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 and grants for local gardening projects that benefit the Lake County communities the gardeners serve. Previous fundraisers have netted more than $15,000 that is returned to the community.
“The proceeds from the garden walk will be used to support local community gardens, scholarships, grants and gardening education programs. By participating in the walk, visitors are not only enjoying a beautiful day outdoors but also contributing to important causes that benefit our community and the environment,” Julian said.
The Lake County Master Gardeners Association is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Composed of volunteers who have received intensive education in horticulture through the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program, LCMGA is a partner with Purdue Extension Lake County, Indiana.
Visit lakecountymastergardeners.org for more information or contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to nominate a garden for next year’s garden walk.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.
