GARDEN TOUR - 2006

June 25th 1pm to 5pm

1. The GLAHS Museum - 118 W Lincoln Street
The Museum features an herb garden containing a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. Visitors will learn about the various herb plantings and how they can be used.

2. The Grand Ledge Opera House - 121 S. Bridge Street
The Opera House offers a river bank view from a beautiful gazebo surrounded by rose bushes, four memorial gardens with a variety of perennials, annuals and memorial trees.

3. Norma Pryor – 9110 Hartel Rd.
Thirty-nine years ago the Pryor’s built their house in a corn field. Today it’s a wonder of perennial gardens, ponds, and seven outdoor rooms that are host to many family gatherings. Following Larry’s death in 2003, Norma has worked very hard to complete a large scale waterfall that flows into a huge pond which is the culmination of the couple’s grand design for the property. There is something wonderful to experience in every direction.

4. William & Becky Bouck – 4063 Tall Oaks
The Bouck garden is an excellent example of how amazing results can be achieved in only three years. A winding brick path takes visitors back to a lush shade garden. Becky has incorporated perennials, annuals, and wildflowers under a canopy of maple, butternut, and hickory trees. The sound of a gentle waterfall and birds chirping at the backyard feeding station adds to the serenity of this relaxing garden setting.

5. Chuck & Kim Millbrook – 823 DeGroff St.
This lovely 1902 home is reminiscent of Mackinaw Island with its full front porch and flag flying. In keeping with the home’s history, parts of the garden were originally planted by botanist, Chauncey Richmond of the Michigan Agricultural College. A bright orange azalea, over six feet tall, stands watch over the garden gate and provides a breathtaking entrance to the Millbrook garden in the early spring.

6. Fred & Sally Williams – 1029 Old Post
Visitor’s to the Williams’ back yard will find a variety of garden vignettes tucked between mature evergreens and shrubbery complete with perennial plantings and interesting garden ornaments. The many sights and sounds in the back gardens, including two ponds with waterfalls, will keep everyone entertained.

7. Russ & Linda Chaney – 12665 Melody Rd.
As you stand in the tented gazebo at the waters’ edge watching the waterfall across the pond, you won’t believe that this two and a half acre retreat is so close to town. Towering evergreen trees create a backdrop for the waterfall and pond and a variety of rustic sculptural and ornamental objects provide focal points through out the gardens. A hosta garden and a variety of other perennial and annual plantings complete the scenic landscape that the Chaney’s have created.

8. Pat Gabriel & Charlene Pahl – 8021 W. Eaton Hywy.
This English cottage with its lush, overflowing window boxes sets the stage for the side garden that has evolved as a labor of love over the last ten and a half years. A white picket fence that encloses this garden retreat, an enclosed gazebo, and a beautifully landscaped pond all add to the charm of this cottage style garden. In addition to the main garden with its huge variety of perennials and annuals, visitors can enjoy an array of wildflowers as they stroll down to the Grand River. Don’t let the drive keep you from experiencing this beautiful natural setting.