2nd Annual Garden Walk at Windsor Park

Windsor Park hosts its 2nd Annual Garden Walk on Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and visitors can expect nothing less than spectacular as they walk through more than 30 gardens and balconies maintained by residents, including Jan Smith, the namesake of Carol Stream's Jan Smith Park. Windsor Park is a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located on 60 acres at 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, Ill. 60188.

The free self-guided tour runs continuously from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine. Visitors are asked to first stop by the Centrum in the Town Center for a walking map. A complimentary bus service will transport walkers between neighborhoods and cool refreshments will be offered at various locations.

"Our gardens are something special," said Marilyn Dinkel, Windsor Park resident, and one of the coordinators of the event. "Our grounds are already like an arboretum, with five fish-filled lakes, a variety of trees, bushes and other foliage. Come spring residents get to work tending their gardens and creating this natural wonderland. It's always exciting to watch everyone's gardens grow and bloom into something magical."

Dinkel explains it's not just the colorful blooms that will engage visitors. It's the various shades of green foliage that complement the alliums, irises, daisies and astilbes; the manmade water features; and the thoughtfully placed garden ornaments. "Taking our Garden Walk is like meandering through all of your favorite neighbors' backyard gardens, all at one time."

Large glass jars and painted pots filled with colorful blooms are situated on residents' balconies and garden patios, and unique birdbaths add an artistic touch to the fragrant butterfly gardens. Visitors can walk on the stone and grassy paths that wind throughout the community while listening to the wind chimes playing in the air.

For more information about the 2nd Annual Garden Walk, call 877-836-5664 or visit www.WindsorParkIllinois.org.