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.
