17th Annual Irvington Garden Tour June 25

Weekly View — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 05:10:19 +0000

IRVINGTON — The Irvington Garden Club will host its 17th annual Garden Tour on June 25 from 1-5 p.m. One of the longest running garden tours in Indianapolis, the tour of eight gardens promises to be inspirational and educational.
Over the past 17 years, tour guests have had the opportunity to walk shaded paths, witness the flashing shadows of overhead branches on the ground, and maybe, sit on a garden bench surrounded by beautiful flowers, fragrant herbs, well-tended vegetable patch (and possibly a cat). Others have felt the cooling effect of a fountain or glazed into a plant filled pond and wondered why the Koi fish within had grown so big while theirs had not. Undoubtedly, someone on the journey said, “I’ve got to get one of those.”
Walking slowly, so as not to disturb a monarch butterfly, they delighted in the pleasing color combinations of flower pots on a patio and paused to appreciate the sight and scent of a rose. Since the first tour in 2000, the best gardens in historic Irvington have been showcased.
In addition to inspirational nature, visitors can watch local artists paint in selected gardens, reminding them of Irvington’s historic roots as a haven for artists who found inspiration among the tree-lined lanes.
Tickets are $10 and will be available at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave., and Irvington United Methodist Church, 30 N. Audubon the day of the tour. Presale tickets are available at Bookmamas, 9 Johnson Ave., and the Antique Mall of Irvington, 5502 E. Washington St. Proceeds go to fund the many beautification projects of the Irvington Garden Club, including the upkeep on the Benton House historic gardens, the Kile Oak habitat, the Kin Hubbard Memorial Park.
Before or after the tour, be sure to stop by the Irvington United Methodist Church and take part in another Irvington tradition — the annual Strawberry Festival on the lawn of the historic church from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Served up by the ladies and gentlemen of the church, “The Works” Strawberry Shortcake is only $5. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a free patriotic concert in the Sanctuary — all are welcome.

Gardens of Irvington on Display June 28

Weekly View — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 05:10:02 +0000

Now in the 15th year, the Irvington Garden Tour is going strong. This year, the tour will be held Sunday, June 28 from 1- 5 p.m. and feature 10 gardens. Tickets are $10 and proceeds of the tour support the Irvington Garden Club’s works to beautify the community through plantings, stewardship of the historic Kile Oak, and many other projects.
Advance tickets are available at Bookmamas (9 S. Johnson), Habig’s Garden Shop (11th and Arlington), and the Antique Mall of Irvington (corner of Ritter and East Washington St.). On the day of the tour, patrons can purchase tickets at the Benton House (312 S. Downey Ave.) and at the Irvington United Methodist Church (30 N. Audubon).
One of the secrets to the longevity of the Irvington Garden Tour is that there is great variety in the gardens themselves. This year’s tour highlights a “secret garden” created by owners who transformed an overgrown yard to a quiet retreat — a place to sustain the soul. Close by, there is a garden full of vegetables, fruit, and herbs artfully arranged — a place to sustain the body. Still another garden boasts a tulip tree descended from a tree planted by George Washington, a weeping willow given to the owner as a present on her 80th birthday a few years ago, and a favorite childhood picnic spot — a place to sustain the heart.
To capture all the beauty and uniqueness of the gardens, artists will be painting outside throughout the tour, and their work will be on display at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center afterwards.
One of the stops is the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University. Admire the gardens outside, but go inside for the exhibit “Indiana Seasons” and a display of flower photos with their meanings. Also go around the corner for your free plant start at the Conservatory entrance. All the plants are donated by the Irvington Garden Club members and volunteers.
To cap off the day of walking through great gardens, visit the Irvington United Methodist Church, 30 N. Audubon, from 1-4 p.m. for their annual Strawberry Festival and Patriotic Concert. Enjoy strawberry shortcake with the “works” for only $4, and the kids will enjoy children’s activities. A free patriotic concert, featuring the choirs of Irvington United Methodist Church and Union Chapel United Methodist Church will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Weekly View » Irvington Garden Tour

17th Annual Irvington Garden Tour June 25

Gardens of Irvington on Display June 28