2023 Garden Walk: Eight Stunning Beauties
Get Ready To Explore And Get Inspired On June 11
By Jean Ercolani
Park Hill Garden Walk Organizer
The 2023 Park Hill Garden Walk promises endless inspiration, delivering creativity, environmentally-conscious garden design and visual beauty.
This year’s gardeners have been challenged by many of the conundrums that most Colorado gardeners can relate to: sloped yards, failing retaining walls, poor soil, dry climate, water conservation issues, how to support native species — and how to make it all visually attractive. Many of the eight gardens featured this year are mature and well established, while others are still in their developmental adolescence. Taken all together, the Garden Walk provides opportunities to see the gardeners’ process. Come explore, ask questions, and gain insight for your own gardening ideas.
As usual, creativity is evident. Several corners of the world — France, Asia, and the New York City High Line — have provided inspiration for the landscaping themes. Hardscape elements incorporate concrete, metal, huge rocks, an old washtub and a livestock container pool. Other beautiful features include a seating area made from IPE Brazilian wood, a northern New Mexico-style stone terrace, and a solar pond. All of these elements are sure to inspire your own creative juices.
Many of the gardeners in this year’s event have made a concerted effort to create landscapes that are good for the environment and Colorado wildlife, in particular through planting an abundance of trees and low-water and native Colorado plants. You’ll see pollinator gardens that use a mix of annuals and perennials.
Some gardeners emphasize plants that provide shelter and nesting materials for birds, while others have chosen plants that support the overall well-being of birds and bees. Fruit trees, vegetable and herb gardens are scattered throughout these outdoor spaces. One incorporates a community garden. Another gardener has an elderflower bush, which he uses to make cordials.
Along with the imaginative use of hard and soft landscape materials and the impressive consideration and care for environment and wildlife, the Garden Walk also features local artists who show, share and sell their work at each of the eight gardens. You’ll find sculpture, oil and watercolor paintings, mixed media, paper arts, wood cuts and botanical prints, with many artists working en plein air.
It’s a day of relaxation, immersion, beauty and education.
The Park Hill Garden Walk committee is a group of volunteers working to raise funds to support the mission of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. GPHC is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill through its resources, information and advocacy, while preserving the quality of life and the history of the neighborhood. Learn more and get involved at www.greaterparkhill.org.
Ticket Details
The 2023 Park Hill Garden Walk is Sunday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 1 at parkhillgardenwalk.org. Advance tickets are $15, seniors (age 65+) are $12 and children under 12 are free.
Tickets will also be available beginning May 1 at these Park Hill establishments:
• City Floral: 1440 Kearney St.
• Spinelli’s Market: 4621 E. 23rd Ave.
• Cake Crumbs: 2216 Kearney St.
• Park Hill Branch Library: 4705 Montview Blvd.
• Park Hill Art Festival on June 3 and 4: 4958 Montview Blvd.