IRVINGTON — The 24th Annual Irvington Garden Tour, sponsored by the Irvington Garden Club, will be held on Sunday, June 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $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, and at Ace Hardware at 10th and Arlington. The day of the tour tickets may be purchased (cash or checks only) at The Benton House (312 S. Downey), the Irvington United Methodist Church (30 N. Audubon). A drawing is held for two chances to win a door prize to everyone who fills out the form on the ticket. Each registrant may also pick up a free plant at the Bona Thompson (5350 University) 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.
There are some road closures that will affect the tour, but organizers are adding several perks to make up for it. Get your ticket at the Benton House and listen to a 10 minute lecture on making a living fence. The Bona Thompson stop will also feature the Indianapolis Solo Pizza food truck from 1-4 p.m. as well as the free plant selection. There will be live music in Garden 4, so you can linger a bit and enjoy the views. Expect some painters as well in some of the gardens.
On past tours, visitors have been treated to views of 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.
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. Garden 6 is close by, so you can get your shortcake in one easy stop!
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 through 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.
