The 10th annual Southland Community Garden Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, will provide an opportunity to enjoy beauty and tranquility while helping two of the area’s key charities: Aunt Martha’s and Respond Now.
The walk is sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Section and will take place rain or shine.
The walk will begin at Goldberg Park, 3301 Flossmoor Road in Flossmoor, and it will feature six gardens in East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor and Olympia Fields.
Horticulturists and master gardeners will be at each garden to answer questions and give gardening tips, according to the event website.
“All those who have an appreciation for beauty, a passion for nature and a love of community service are welcome,” organizers said. “Come get ideas from the owners and horticulturalists to create your own flower power by bringing nature and beauty to your space, be it big or small.”
Proceeds from the garden walk will benefit Respond Now, an organization that works to alleviate hunger and prevent homelessness, and Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, which provides resources for youth and families throughout the region and the state.
This year’s gardens
Building on the past: The first garden is in Flossmoor and features a pagoda, Zen garden and winding path adorned with trees, shrubs and hundreds of perennials.
A beautiful sanctuary: The second garden is in East Hazel Crest and includes garden rooms for reading or taking tea.
Stately and elegant: The third garden, also in Flossmoor, features a variety of heights, shapes, colors and bloom times so the garden can be enjoyed from spring through fall.
Organic beauty: The fourth garden provides examples of plants that thrive in sandy loam soil which was once part of a lake shoreline in East Hazel Crest. It features pathways, rock gardens, garden art daylilies and hostas.
The Big Easy meets Abe Lincoln: The fifth garden is in Olympia Fields and draws inspiration from New Orleans. It was developed over 30 years and includes a pond, trails, numerous perennials and a statue of John Coltrane playing a bubbling saxophone.
From Challenge to Charm: The sixth garden is a half-acre lot in Olympia Fields and shows what can be done with a site that has extensive shade and course clay soil.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Advance tickets are available at Art for Soul, 18135 Harwood Ave. in Homewood; Ebel’s Ace Hardware, 18410 Governors Highway in Homewood; and Gypsy Fix, 1056 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor.