Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:00 am
Next weekend brings gardens galore, as the Caledonia Historical Society is also offering a garden tour on July 12. Called Garden Magic, it will feature six garden locations throughout Caledonia and proceeds from the event will benefit Historical Society projects.
Tour locations are:
• The home of Calvin Kaplan, 5703 Middle Road. A rain garden, which helps to replenish the earth and ground water system, is featured at this location. It includes about 30 varieties of drought-resistant and water-loving native plants, which bring color to the garden from Spring through fall. Many birds and butterflies enjoy the rain garden.
• The home of Norm and Joan Rennert, 1621 Wedgewood Drive. This beautiful, compact backyard garden has many surprises. Two small ponds, a waterfall, bridges, a fountain and loads of perennials can be found along its path, along with a lovely gazebo. This garden is wheelchair-accessible.
• The home of Clarence and Karen Kaplan, 5721 Middle Road. The Kaplans have turned what was once a field of wheat into a collection of garden and natural areas which make for a pleasant walk through green space. Several perennial gardens surround the house and a water feature and "work in progress" native shade garden can be found in the side and front yards. The colorful backyard features native plant gardens, and a five-acre "back forty" is being developed as an all native area for wildlife to enjoy.
• Breakers Village II, 700 Waters Edge, Unit 12-29 (first driveway past Olympia Brown School). On the shores of Lake Michigan, this condo development features French country architecture with gardens adjacent to each unit, as well as in the valley between it and another development.
• Eco Justice Center, 7133 Michna Road. Established about five years ago, this 15-acre site has two large organic vegetable gardens, raised beds, a rain garden and numerous flowerbeds. The Center is dedicated to environmental education and care of the Earth. Its grounds also feature historic farm buildings and working examples of sustainable living.
• The home of Bert and Audry Blomgren, 5229 Barthel Road, Franksville. The 1½ acres of lovely country sun and shade gardens here include flowerbeds spread throughout the property and a natural rain garden. Another 1½ acres of this property are natural meadowland. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see an unusual plant called Hydrosme, which originated in South Africa and was imported to the Blomgren's garden from a friend in Sweden.
If You Go
WHAT: Garden Magic: A garden tour benefitting the Caledonia Historical Society
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12
WHERE: Six gardens in Caledonia
COST: Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on location. They can be purchased at Milaeger's Garden Mart (both locations), Caledonia Village Hall (6922 Nicholson Road), Fuhrman Insurance (10503 Northwestern Ave.), Wayne's Daughters (6207 Douglas Ave.), or by calling (262) 886-5084.