Westlake Garden Club Takes 'A Walk Down Memory Lane'

The Westlake Garden Club's “A Walk Down Memory Lane” took folks to six local residences on Sunday who wanted to see horticulture at its best. 

The event was tied, in part, to the city’s bicentennial celebration, but it also was intended to attract new members and spur an interest among newcomers to start gardening, club president Sally Knurek said. 

“Gardening is a creative activity that allows homeowners to give their property a unique and beautiful touch, no matter how big or small the undertaking,” she said. “It’s something relaxing and restful that connects people to nature and gives them a deeper appreciation of the environment and allows those to show their civic pride.”

One of the most impressive gardens on the tour was arranged on the residence of Phil Dicarlo, owner of

His prismatic garden featured pink petunias, purple Angelina, hundreds of brightly colored annuals and perennials, lush foliage, a fountain, a waterfall and a tea house with a cantilevered deck suspended over one of his two ponds. 

“Ever since I was a kid, I loved the outdoors, and I would encourage anyone was may have some interest to pick the hobby up," he said. “Start small, grow what appeals to you and have fun.”