7 Private Spaces Showcased On BAPA Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk

CHICAGO — Visit seven private gardens on the Beverly Area Planning Association’s will 4th Annual Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk on Sun., July 9. The walk runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, July 16. All tour-goers must start the event by 1 p.m., at which time ticket will-call and day-of-sales will close.

This year’s Garden Walk features seven private spaces that showcase a wide variety of growing conditions and plant varieties, as well as unique and artistic art and décor. The Garden Walk will begin with check-in at the Edna White Community Garden, 1850 W. Monterey Ave., where people are welcome to walk among the beautiful plantings, observe butterflies and bees from the new observatory, and visit with event sponsors.

Featured gardens are located throughout the neighborhood. Each stop is distinctive for its style, variety of plantings, and unique beauty. Whether you’re going home to a sunny or shady yard, a mature garden or a freshly dug flower bed, you’ll be inspired by the hard work, creative vision and delight shared by local gardeners.

Among the private spots being showcased are:

• A lush shade garden with a large variety of hostas, ferns, ligularia and other perennials that entice hummingbirds and butterflies. With the loss of a very old and massive oak tree, a section of the yard has opened up to allow for an herb and vegetable garden. Pines, beech, birch, Korean and Japanese maple trees make for a serene and contemplative space.
• A garden where, after 25+ years of love and attention, you can find the perfect place for parties with family and friends as well as a peaceful place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Some of the gardener’s favorite features are an arbor made from copper plumbing pipe that has been taken over by trumpet vine; the weeping atlas cedar that’s reminiscent of an old man looking over the garden; the Elizabeth magnolia planted in memory of the gardener’s mother; and the many birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife who visit regularly.
• A versatile garden that has areas of full sun, shade/sun and total shade for a beautiful display everywhere you look. In full sun is the pollinator garden featuring bright colors to attract bees and butterflies. In full shade is a newly planted plot for hostas, coral bells and vinca vines. In a cozy space where sun and shade define the plantings there is a secret garden perfect for moments of solitude as well as time for entertaining.
• A modest lot that’s packed with charm, beauty, and hospitality and that offers a colorful mix of garden favorites such as zinnias and unusual varieties of succulents, annuals and perennials in pots and plots that embrace comfy seating areas. Lucious veggies and herbs are also in abundance. This garden is a lovely example of what can be done in a small space.
• Rooted in family history that began when the house was built in the 1920s, a tantalizing mix of pollinators, vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, and artwork are sprawled across a welcoming – and fascinating – double lot. The current gardener grew up in the house and moved back just a few years ago. Using photos from the 1930s as a guide, she reclaimed the property that has been taken over as lawn to create a nourishing garden legacy.
• Experience gained over years of gardening in locations and climates that range across the United States and a commitment to sustainability, abundance and practicality meet in a garden that is sure to engage and educate visitors. Although flowers and unusual trees provide welcoming beauty, food is the primary function in a garden where blueberry bushes form the lovely hedge and tomatoes are grown hydroponically.
• Originally designed as a wedding venue by the previous homeowner, one garden was overgrown and neglected by the time the current owners arrived. Over the past two years, the front yard garden has been cleared of invasive species and totally transformed with perennials and annuals that provide color all season and invite birds and butterflies to visit. Among the many showcase features are a Japanese maple, mature hydrangeas, and the Frank Lloyd Wright garden contemplative sprite sculpture.

In addition to touring some of the area’s most beautiful and interesting gardens, the garden walk includes an array of garden experiences including beverage and food tastings from local restaurants, and music.

Garden Walk tickets are $30 in advance at BAPA Garden Walk and $35 on the day of the event.
Thank you to the Garden Walk sponsors: Mike Haggerty Buick GMC, Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois/Blue Door Neighborhood Center, University of Chicago Medicine, County Fair Foods, PRS Professional Real Estate Services, Beverly Bank & Trust, Southtown Health Foods, First In Realty, Franconello, Smith Village, Uhlmann Home Improvement Inc., Molloy & Associates Real Estate, 19th Ward Youth & Community Foundation, Michele Pettiford @ Properties, State Farm Insurance/John Harrell, Boston Beer, and The Beverly Review.

For information, call 773-233-3100, visit BAPA or email bapa@bapa.org.