Enjoy a Day of Blossoms in McHenry County Gardens

Tour some of the most spectacular gardens in McHenry County from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the annual Garden Walk, hosted by the University of Illinois Extension’s McHenry County Master Gardeners and McHenry County College.

Garden Walk 2022 will showcase 10 beautiful gardens — eight private gardens and two volunteer-tended teaching gardens. The tour starts at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake and meanders through the central part of the county. The online early-bird cost is $12 per person through June 28. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased for $17 on the day of the event at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at MCC, parking lot C. Proceeds help support the educational missions of MCC and McHenry County Extension.

“Last year’s Garden Walk was a huge success, and we are thrilled to offer this event again in coordination with MCC,” said Brenda Dahlfors, program coordinator for the U of I Extension’s McHenry County Master Gardeners. “The mission of the Extension Master Gardeners is to provide research-based horticultural education to the community, and Garden Walk is a way to teach, learn and just have a lot of fun.”

At each of the eight residential gardens, hosts will have labeled many of their plants and will be on hand to answer questions and share their secrets to success. In addition, Extension Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions and offer educational materials. Several door prizes will be awarded to lucky participants after the tour.

The Demonstration Garden at MCC is tended by Extension Master Gardener volunteers and includes a vine garden, shade garden, theme gardens, and extensive displays of perennials and annuals that grow well in our area. The tour will also highlight the gardens at the Colonel Palmer House, an historical Crystal Lake Park District property. These historical gardens are also tended in part by Master Gardener volunteers.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at gardenwalk2022.brownpapertickets.com through June 28. All tickets must be picked up the day of the walk. Tickets will not be mailed and there are no refunds. The event is held rain or shine. Please do not bring pets.

For more information about Garden Walk, visit www.mchenry.edu/gardenwalk or call (815) 479-7570.