Dawn could not have arrived any more brilliantly than it did on the second Sunday in July!
Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity greeted the Chair of the Faire (I just like how that rings) and a dedicated group of members. Elmhurst Park District staff were already on site and on task. Red Barn Greenhouse, a long-time participant in the event, were diligently unloading their plants in a display of horticultural splendor that is eagerly anticipated every July.
While there is a great deal of prep work leading up to the opening of the Faire, it is also exciting to watch the vendors unload their wares as tents and tables and a strong sense of purpose transforms Wilder Park into an elegant affair.
Concurrently, a small contingent of counterparts were at another park, Marjorie Davis, were the newly established community gardens would be one of the featured stops on the Garden Walk. How enlightening it was to have one of our members, Chloe, give us her own personal historical reference of Marjorie Davis, a beloved educator at Roosevelt School, and of Roosevelt School, which once stood at this location. Another member, Mary, who grows her vegetables in one of the plots, gave insight and information on the gardens.
. . . on to the five private gardens!
(Honestly, these gardens were so spectacular I’m tempted to just do posts, but, will not and hope these photos do them justice.)
This garden gave visitors a pleasant surprise as they walked down a long driveway and paradise opened up before their eyes.
This is an interesting feature. If you click onto the photo, you can see the bowl of the a birdbath. A vine (clematis?) has been trained around wired and supports to enclose the mechanics of the birdbath, giving birds a safe place to stop while enhancing the garden. It resembles a very lush basket to me. How clever!
A renovated two-flat, the homeowners repurposed salvage, especially bricks, and used other reclaimed items in their charming garden.
This garden was a big attraction, with an expansive lawn, custom crafted deck, and the historical interest of the home, which is a Sears Roebuck kit house.
What a charmer this garden was. With a sedate and welcoming front garden, it is the tranquil, surprisingly large garden beyond the garden gate that entranced visitors.
From a large vegetable garden that replaced a swimming pool, to every manner of repurposed artifacts along with plants, trees, and bushes, this was certainly a garden that illustrated for all in attendance that garden walks are for both men and women!
What a wonderful day it was and how gratifying for all to know that we will be able to grant scholarships again this year. I hope you enjoyed some of the photos.
Bye, bye!