Pack Up and Go!

There's never a lack of garden related places to visit - either for viewing or for purchasing.  Here's a few that's been forwarded to me:

~ Tour Boerner Botanical Gardens, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum and Renaissance Garden, Wisconsin~

 Sunnyfield Nursery's Garden Tour will be July 13th.  Double click on the brochures to read or use the reservation form. 

They will not go unless they have at least 20 paid reservations, so get yours in quickly to make sure this happens. 

Looks to be a wonderful day of seeing some Wisconsin displays and leave the driving to others.  Always a great plan.

 Sunnyfield owners, the Johnsons, are hitting their stride after buying the nursery.  They are making it their own, using their own ideas and have obviously worked hard to establish their reputation. 

~Chicago Botanical Garden Tour~

The Oak Run Garden Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe on June 7th.  Cost of bus reservation, box lunch, admission and guided tram tour is $95.  Reservations due May 20th.  email ricksmith2s@gmail.com or call Rick at 309-639-2686. 

~ Illinois State Governor's Mansion Gardens ~

The Illinois Executive Mansion is the largest in the US.  The gardens are being restored under the direction of a professional and using volunteer workers and donated plants.

The mansion is open for free tours Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 to 11:30 am and 2 to 3:30 pm.  Saturday from 9:30 to 11 am.  Call for special hours or to reserve for occasions.

Harry Lewis is offering several hands-on gardening workshops at the mansion.  There are fees for these events - register at 217-766-2292.  Self guided walking tours of the gardens are free.

May 19 - 6-9 pm:  Flowering annuals for every location.

June 26 - 1-3:30 pm:  The Governor's Mansion and Gardens - a special tour and fundraiser.

July 14 - 6-9 pm:  Garden florals in indoor arrangements.

A few local retail establishments offering plants and garden "things"

(there are quite a few others)

Retail establishments aregreat day trips, idea gathering, visual treat, and of course they hope you buy.  Reputable garden retailers seldom mind if you're "just looking". 

• Wolf Ridge Gardens and Greenhouse, 9568 Wolf Rd., Geneseo IL
• Maple City Florist and Garden Center, 802 S. State St., Geneseo IL
• George Bowman Hostas, 404 E. South St., Cambridge IL
• Prairie Country Gardens, 2213 County Highway 5, Galva IL
• Old Mill Gardens Floral & Gift Shop, 108 E. Exchange St., Atkinson IL
• Red Barn Nursery, 15722 - 645 E St., Sheffield IL
• Sunnyfield Greenhouse Garden Center, 2440 E 2550 St., Galva IL
• Dew Fresh Market, 249 Tenney St., Kewanee IL 

We're getting a nice gentle rain today - just in time to wet down those freshly planted gardens - Enjoy the day!