Nature Is Beckoning
17th Annual Park Hill Garden Walk Set for June 17
By Tara Bannon Williamson
Special to the GPHN
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” — Khalil Gibran
Nature beckons you outdoors with dappled sunbeams, flirtatious breezes and the happy faces of blooming flowers to celebrate the beauty of gardening by attending the Park Hill Garden Walk on Saturday, June 17.
Now in its 17th year, the annual event is the perfect pairing of outdoor enjoyment and community connection – whether you stroll, amble, scoot, bike, meander, skip or skate. Space for bike parking is provided in front of each house to encourage and support those that travel on two wheels.
The Garden Walk committee is excited for everyone to see the ingenious creativity reflected in each of the gardens. Dauntless passion for enjoying the outdoors is demonstrated by wonderful outdoor rooms transforming the urban traffic buzzing by into a faint and distant memory. Comfortable outdoor living isn’t just something to watch on TV and see in magazines. Experience the possibilities by visiting the numerous Park Hill gardens that will be part of this year’s event.
In addition to the interesting use of rocks and metals in hard landscaping, a charming greenhouse and various serene water features are in store. For those who love fauna as much as they love flora, there is a yard that has a wildlife habitat certification featuring native plant species, sustainable practices and other environmental considerations to nourish and harbor butterflies, bees and more.
For gardeners who prefer to eat what they grow, several gardens feature sumptuous spaces for growing vegetables. Three neighbors demonstrate the way that gardening brings us together and creates community by sharing one space. Meet fellow gardeners and share tips on your favorite veggies to grow and what you are expecting will be a bumper crop this year.
No space is too small to captivate and transport you to a restorative and rejuvenating garden sanctuary. There are examples of small spaces that use every inch to make complete oases. Touches of humor and whimsy reward the careful observer, definitively highlighting the wit and personality of the gardener. Larger creative expressions manifest in fun sculpted pieces by local artists.
As in years past, local artists will be in the gardens, displaying their creations including sculpture, pastels, paper art, and paintings. Many of the artists will be working en plein air.
Find inspiration for your own garden, delight in the hard work and creativity of others, and enjoy the beautiful June day by attending or volunteering for the Garden Walk. No matter your gardening experience, style or success rate, there is something for everyone to enjoy and connect to. If you are interested in volunteering, or for information about what you can do to help, contact Helen Quinn at helenpatq@yahoo.com.
The Garden Walk lasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this year, and tickets will be available beginning around the end of May at the Park Hill Branch Library and Spinelli’s Market.
Tickets this year are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, with proceeds benefitting Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Maps of the featured gardens will be available the day of the event, to all who buy tickets. Additional information is at parkhillgardenwalk.org.
You can also secure your tickets in early May through PayPal via the parkhillgardenwalk.org website. If planning ahead isn’t your cup of tea, tickets will be on sale the day of the event for $15.