The Irvington Garden Club is hosting the 19th Annual Irvington Garden Tour on Sunday, June 30 from 1-5 p.m. The tour features some of the finest private gardens in the historic neighborhood, with a chance to go behind the garden gate to see creativity flourish.
Established in 2000 as a fundraiser for the club, the annual garden tour has become a must-see event for anyone interested in garden design. On past tours, visitors strolled through Japanese inspired gardens, colorful perennial displays, organic vegetable beds, whimsical fairy gardens, and subtle landscapes made for the shade. In addition to the private gardens open to the public, the Benton House gardens are open to browse, with historically accurate plants that complement the historic home. This year’s gardens will include a spectacular collection of hostas and lots of surprises.
Proceeds from the tour go to support the beautification projects of the Irvington Garden Club. The club maintains the historic gardens of the Benton House, plants the planters along East Washington St. and plants trees at Ellenberger Park, for starters. Tickets are $10 each and available in advance at Ace Hardware at 10th and Arlington, and the Antique Mall of Irvington at the corner of Ritter and East Washington. Tickets are available the day of the tour at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave, and at Irvington United Methodist Church on North Irving Circle.
A great way to end your day is at IUMC, which holds its patriotic concert and annual Strawberry Festival also on Sunday, June 30. The concert begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Strawberry Festival on the grounds (in the basement if the weather is bad). There is also a quilt raffle with a lovely quilt as the prize. Strawberry Shortcakes with the works (ice cream, strawberries, shortcake and whipped cream) is only $5.
