Every town has beautiful gardens tucked away on quiet side streets. We drive past, unaware that a someone has created something very special, hidden from our view. The Garden Walk is an opportunity to take a look at these beautiful gardens. This event will take place on Saturday, July 9 from 10am-3pm CST. There will be seven private homes, featured in southern Vermilion County offering unique ideas to attendees.
Tickets are $10 and available for purchase by cash or check at the Vermilion County Extension Office in Danville. 217-442-8615 M-F 8-4:30 Closed Noon-1pm for Lunch
Berry's Garden Center 3714 N Vermilion Danville 217-446-3076
Lima Bean Glassworks 145 N Vermilion Danville 217-442-1785
Flowers on Main 804 Main St. Georgetown 217-662-2300
Waltsacres 800 North Orchard St. Ridge Farm 217-213-1284
Tickets may also be purchased by credit card at the University of Illinois Extension website https://go.illinois.edu/VCMGGardenWalk2022
The first stop is the Wilkus home. This couple started their garden by removing overgrown shrubs and trees creating a blank slate. In the past ten years, they have shaped a landscape that includes a small pond, potting shed, Japanese Maples, an astounding variety of perennials, a vegetable garden including berry plants and garden art at every turn. Many of the plants both annual and perennial are started from seed in the greenhouse
Vermilion County Master Gardener, Mark Learnard has been entering flowers in local fairs for years. This year, he has fourteen varieties of zinnias, amaranth, asters, snapdragons, daisies and more for visitors to enjoy, some of which will be on display at the local fair. Mark Learnard starts most of his award-winning flowers from seed in his greenhouse. It is a large property with an orchard and plants that have been in the family for over 100 years. Lori and daughter, Mindy have planted theme garden beds reflecting different seasons. The family has worked together on the landscape and will offer tours via golf cart for attendees.
The Krabel garden began in 2010, when Nick and Laura purchased their home and the Flowers on Main business. In addition to their business, the couple enjoys collecting antiques and have repurposed items as garden art and planters, creating a vintage look in the landscape. There are treasures in every corner, like the multi-tiered fountain, filled with succulents, a tropical bonsai tree and antique wash tub to give participants ideas for their own garden. There are also enormous planters filled with petunias and other flowers hidden from view.
The Taylor-Thomen garden evolved over 40 years. The husband and wife worked together with one building the hardscape and the other adding plants. The goal was to create a relaxing atmosphere to sit and enjoy. Judy is a true gardener in the sense that she loves all plants. Visitors will find a wide variety in her garden.
Vermilion County Master Gardener, Lee Smitley’s interest in pollinators has influenced his plant choices. Visitors will find sunflowers and other plants that attract bees and butterflies. Favorite plants include a large cherry tree in front of the home, hardy hibiscus and a large rosebush that produces flowers in three different colors.
Jean Hayward started a garden when her mother came to live with her. Every year brought progress and from a small beginning came an English style garden with grand paths, perennials, shrubs and trees. As a watercolor artist, Jean’s garden has provided her with a never-ending supply of peace and beauty to capture.
Vermilion County Master Gardener, Walter Deck enjoys the creative process in his garden. Visitors to Waltsacres will enjoy the vegetable garden with flowers planted to draw pollinators. Walter has a small orchard pollinated by his bees, along with raised beds filled with strawberries and raspberries. Walter’s motto is, ‘You Don’t Know It Until You Grow It!’
Proceeds from the Garden Walk fund Master Gardener involvement and educational programs in Vermilion County.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Vermilion County office 217-442-8615. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.