Free Northbrook Yards and Gardens Tour on Saturday

On Saturday, July 18, Go Green Northbrook is hosting the Northbrook Healthy Habitats Yard Tour, a free event open to all area residents. From 1-4pm, residents can explore local yards throughout the Northbrook area and discover numerous types of gardens and healthy habitats.

"I am so lucky to have neighbors who share this interest [in gardening]," said Doug Gerleman, president and founder of Go Green Northbrook. "A landscape does not have to stop at the lot line."

The yard tour includes a wide variety of gardens and landscape architecture. Tour attendees will have the chance to view native plant gardens, food gardens, butterfly gardens, and so much more. Tour goers will also have the chance to learn about composting, rare plant species, and creating gardens to help reduce backyard flooding. Anyone interested in the yard tour is encouraged to visit gogreennorthbrook.org/you-can/yard-tour/ for a list of addresses on the tour route and further information.

Tour attendees can end their afternoon with a post-party at the Gerleman residence (2966 Stonegate Lane) from 4-5pm, relaxing, chatting with habitat experts, and exploring the Gerlemans' rain garden and native plants.

"I am still learning [that] a garden is a constant conversation with nature," said Gerleman. "Come and see one example of how a yard can be transformed into a peaceful retreat."

Go Green Northbrook is a volunteer organization of Northbrook residents who bring about initiatives and education towards making the community more environmentally friendl. For more information on the organization or the Healthy Habitats Yard Tour, visit gogreennorthbrook.org or email ggn@gogreennorthbrook.org.