Garden Gait 2011 Inspires Local Green Thumbs

Blue skies stayed the whole day through for backyard nature lovers who drove around Lisle to enjoy all things green (and pink and yellow and red and orange...) this past Sunday. The Lisle Woman's Club and Lisle Park District's 2011 Garden Gait event featured four private gardens, as well as the village's PrarieWalk Pond and Dragonfly Landing.

Garden lovers met at the to browse crafts and garden-related goods from local merchants, and stop in the Beaubien Tavern for refreshments. Butterfly cookies on sticks were provided by Sweet Sue's Handmade. 

Joanne Ehrhardt, vice president of the Lisle Woman's Club, knew 'gaiters' would delight in this year's private gardens.

"There are two koi ponds and two homes have no lawn whatsoever; every inch of their property is covered in flowers and gardens," Ehrhardt said.

More than 200 people took the tour. Garden owners were on hand to describe their spaces and exactly how their gardens grew.

Donna and Jack Schreiber maintain a large shady backyard. Paths weave through towering trees that encircle a blanket of deep green grass. Two unique feature of this home are found in the front yard. To the right, a wagon wheel-shaped raised vegetable garden, to the left, a rain garden for repurposed water. 

"It's an experiment for now, my wife says [the plants at the end of the waterway] are plants that like to keep their feet wet," Jack Schreiber said. Jack gives all the credit to his wife, he just "digs the holes."

 The home of Chere and Doug Hayes is recognized as part of the Conservation @ Home program. The use of many native Illinois plants and a rain barrel allow them to be environmentally friendly. The far right side of the house boasts a vibrant rose garden, while other unique features of the yard include a miniature garden and  redwood trees that have the potential to grow 200 feet tall.

It would take days for Jackie and Clarence Saul to enjoy every part of their backyard. Several different "rooms" circle the yard, inviting one to stroll down the paths and over the bridge. The yard boasts two gazebos and repurposed materials put to impressive use. 

Ellyn Berry keeps a unique space right down the street from the train station. It's becoming well known amongst several people who work in the area that stop over to enjoy her space during their lunch break. A 15-foot koi pond refreshed by a rushing waterfall is replenished with many species of exotic plants, and gives her space the ability to make one feel like they are in an exotic world.

After a whirlwind of inspirational guests, attendees could purchase perennial plants to create their own gardens.