Downers Grove Garden Walk
Saturday, June 14, 2008
providing transitional housing and mentoring
for formerly homeless families
Detmer Garden
6580 Davane Lane
A mix of sun and shade allows for this gardener’s extensive collection of perennials in sweeping beds throughout her property — including about 70 hosta varieties and over 300 named cultivars of daylillies. Evergreens and deciduous plantings anchor vignettes of filled containers and garden art which complement the garden's expanse.
Reid Garden
121 4th Street
The front lawn features defined bed lines and structured plantings. The lush, secluded backyard, will transport you to a tranquil oriental-themed garden. It is filled with trees, shrubs, a variety of perennials, and features a cascading 70' stream filled with large koi. You can even pet "Goldie." Two decks and an arched bridge provide vantage points for viewing this backyard oasis.
Paddock Garden
8629 Brookeridge Road
A flower-filled front courtyard greets visitors. Eclectic creations abound throughout this landscape, which includes a large wood deck for entertaining, swimming pool, two koi ponds with hand-made water wheel, blue stone walkway surrounded by perennials, a recently added wedding anniversary flower bed and more. This ever-changing garden represents over 30 years of labor and love.
Buehrer Garden
4537 Linscott Avenue
Beautiful understated plantings enhance the small front yard. The solution to a backyard slope: patio adjacent to back door for grilling, plus a delightful outdoor living room — a pergola sited on an angle to enhance the space and provide a quiet retreat. A blend of evergreen and deciduous trees provide year-round interest. Garden folkart, trellises and filled containers personalize the space.
Andersen Garden
4500 Downers Drive
Evergreens, oaks and prairie grasses frame the entrance to this recently-built Irish manor home. Visitors are welcomed by the sound of a waterfall flowing under the driveway bridge. The upper backyard was designed for outdoor living and features a glass conservatory, an outdoor kitchen, and swimming pool with waterfall and a cave. Two hundred ton of natural stone enhance the landscaping throughout. The lower backyard remains an open space …a 19th hole for Dad and a place for the children to run and play.
Stulgin Garden
3684 Downers Drive
You're sure to enjoy this lovely garden designed and created entirely by the owner over the last 10 years. Curving brick walkways lead you through paths of serene, as well as whimsical flower beds. Outdoor rooms and resting places have been created for entertainment and relaxation. Color flourishes in this Certified Wildlife Habitat. There is something to be noticed everywhere from a purple bench to the cobalt blue bird bath to an extensive list of perennials that will be blooming in June.
Delicious Luncheon
Join us for lunch at Carrabba's Italian Grill at 75th & Lemont, where you will be delighted with fresh, flavorful Italian dishes prepared from the finest ingredients sourced from around the world. Everything is made by hand. Lunch includes delicious soup, salad, and entrée pastas. Complete your meal with a scrumptious dessert. Carrabba's is opening its doors for Garden Walk guests only from 11:00am–1:00pm. Make this yummy stop before, during or after you tour the gardens.
About the work of the Bridge Board
The Bridge Board of First United Methodist Church is a program partner with Bridge Communities effecting change for formerly homeless families — leading them to a better future. The Board provides housing, mentoring, direction, encouragement and a stable environment so that families may become self-sufficient and sustain their independence.
Garden Walk information updated on June 12, 2008.
