Calling All Gardeners: Annual Garden Walk Already Revving Up

Area residents with a green thumb are invited to show off their hard work this summer during the Northcenter Neighborhood Association’s Garden Walk.

Now in its seventh year, the annual event snagged upwards of 40 different gardeners last year, but this year, organizers are hoping for even more. Roughly 200 people show up for the Garden Walk, which tours residents through area gardens featuring beautiful flowers, occasional artwork and even live music.

• RSVP for the Garden Walk on Facebook

Marnie Schwartz, NNA’s vice president, says everyone meets up at Bell Elementary School at 3730 N. Oakley Ave. before being handed a map and sent on their way.

“The really cool thing on the map, that I think is unique, is it identifies who has bee hives, who in the neighborhood has native plants, or even who has a national wildlife certified property,” Schwartz said.

The event—planned for Sunday, June 23—runs from noon to 6 p.m. NNA President Julie Hobert says the organization is always looking for more gardens to feature, especially those north of Irving Park Road.

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But the annual Garden Walk isn’t exclusive to traditional backyard gardens. Schwartz says some of the most unusual gardens are the most interesting finds in Northcenter.

“It’s an interesting event because you don’t realize what goes on, especially behind someone’s house,” Schwartz said. “There was even someone who did an amazing herb garden in pots on a terrace in an apartment building, and you’re like, ‘Wow! I didn’t even know that existed.’ There are some really unusual things.”

Interested in signing up to be featured in the summer Sunday afternoon event? Shoot the Northcenter Neighborhood Association an email at gardenclub@northcenterneighborhood.org.

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