IRVINGTON — The 23rd Annual Irvington Garden Tour, brought to you by the Irvington Garden Club, will be held on Sunday, June 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. for only $10 per person with children under 14 admitted free. The event is held rain or shine with tickets available previous to the tour on Eventbrite, at Ace Hardware at 10th and Arlington, the Bona Thompson Center at 5350 University Ave. when open, and at Black Sheep Gifts at 5626 E. Washington St. The day of the tour tickets may be purchased at The Benton House, the Irvington United Methodist Church, or any garden for cash. A drawing is held for two chances to win a gift certificate to the Ace Hardware store to everyone who fills out the form on the ticket. Each registrant may also pick up a free plant at the Bona Thompson while supplies last. Proceeds from the tour go to support the Irvington Garden Club’s beautification efforts in Irvington such as the Kile Oak habitat and the Benton House garden.
Each year, the Irvington Garden Tour offers up a glimpse into the back yards (and front and side yards as well) of homes in the historic neighborhood. On past tours, visitors have been treated to extensive koi ponds surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens, Japanese inspired rock gardens, huge vegetable and herb gardens, and peaceful retreats under the canopy of an old oak tree. Every garden is inspired, and is inspirational.
While plans are still being firmed up, there may be live music in some of the gardens, in addition to artists who often paint on site. There will be a total of 8 private home gardens available to tour this year as well as the historic Benton House Garden and the Bona Thompson Center. The tour is also held the same day as the historic Irvington Methodist Church’s Strawberry Festival at 30 N. Audubon, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
If you enjoy the tour, consider becoming a member of the Irvington Garden Club for the annual dues of $15. Meetings are held once a month usually on the 3rd or 4th Monday at 6:30 p.m. Check the Web site www.irvingtongardenclub.com for details. Also visit the Farmers Markets at Ellenberger Park on the second Sunday of each month beginning June 11 thru October from noon until 3:00 p.m.
The Irvington Garden Club, founded in 1999, oversees the gardens for both the Benton House and the Kile Oak Habitat Gardens. They have undertaken several beautification projects in Irvington over the years.
