Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
It seems like yesterday that Judy Holloway walked into my office wanting to start a Canton garden club and annual garden walk. As a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, she did just that, and much more. Since 1999, the Spoon River Garden Club has sponsored garden walks across Fulton County.
This year's walk is on Saturday, June 10, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Featured are an informal garden, serenity garden, sun and shade woodland garden, sleepy holler farm garden, and cottage garden. Throughout the gardens you will see waterfalls and ponds, woodland havens, unusual plants, fairy gardens, and gardens for kids. You'll also see more traditional plants such as roses and clematis, hostas, herbs, and vegetables.
The cost for the Canton Garden Walk is just $8.00 in advance or $10 the day of the walk. Ticket brochures are available in Canton at the American Grille, CJ Flowers & More, HyVee, Walter's Flowers, or from a Spoon River Garden Club member. Gardens may be visited in any order. There is no rain date and no pets, please. More information is posted on the Spoon River Garden Club Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/SpoonRiverGardenClub.
Previous years' garden walks have been a phenomenal success. The Spoon River Garden Club puts funds from the garden walks to good use. Gardening books have been donated to local libraries throughout Fulton County. They also sponsor a college scholarship for a youth pursuing a career in horticulture or plant sciences, as well as new University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener trainees.
Look for many other garden walks in our area this summer. Some that I'm aware of include
- June 3, "Look. It's my Book!" Garden Walk in Peoria
- June 17, Central Illinois Hosta Society Garden Walk
Public gardens are another way to see view plants and get ideas for your own landscape. Here are some that would make a great day trip this summer.
- Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria
- ICC Horticulture Land Lab and Master Gardener Demonstration gardens
- Lincoln Memorial Gardens in Springfield
- Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe
- Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis
MEET THE AUTHOR
As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.
After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.
ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.