For the love of the garden
School's out, but the Elgin chapter of the American Association of University Women wants to show you some ABCs this weekend, as in alpacas, butterflies and barns, chrysanthemums and crocuses.
The group will host its third annual Garden Walk Saturday, July 12 - and organizers say the six locations go beyond just perennials and annuals.
"They're wonderful gardens, but they're more than gardens," said Mary Navin, AAUW member. "These gardens are not done by professionals. These are garden lovers who want to share their expertise with others."
Tickets for the walk, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., are $10 in advance or $12 on Saturday.
Proceeds go toward local and national scholarships awarded by the AAUW, Navin said.
All six of the couples participating have different styles and amenities.
For Susan and Ron Waldron, attractions beyond flowers and native grasses are a herd of 39 alpacas, which are like llamas but smaller and shorter.
Susan Waldron said some of the animals recently gave birth, with her husband acting as the midwife.
"They are so adorable," she said.
Susan said the gardens don't feature too many plants that require special care or would not normally grow in the Midwest.
"It's an 1875 farmhouse. We tried to keep that character with the gardens," Susan Waldron said. "We enjoy sharing our animals and our garden. (The AAUW) asked us. It seemed like it would be a fun thing."
Aubrey and Rachel Neville, who live just east of the Waldrons in unincorporated Elgin, also are participating in the walk.
Their land features a creek and plenty of mature trees, and Aubrey also has a large collection of horse-drawn milk carts. Plus, they have several peacocks that live on their land.
Rachel Neville credits her husband for planning the gardens; she's the cultivator. She said she is a tad nervous about Saturday because this is the first time they have participated in a garden walk.
"I'll be here all week working," she said. "I'm pleased to help out the AAUW and I hope people who come out will enjoy it. We've worked to be good stewards of the land."
Elgin AAUW Garden Walk
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: six area gardens
Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased in advance at these Elgin locations: Al's Cafe and Creamery, 43 DuPage Court; Books at Sunset, 1100 South St.; and Jewel Foods, 1972 Larkin Ave. Other locations are: Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore, and Heinz Brothers Nursery, 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles.
Call: (847) 741-9475 or (847) 931-0351.