Garden Tour

Height, Dorothy
Peace and tranquility is found in this small city garden.  Beautiful containers highlight the walkways among borders of colorful perennials including trellised vines and Hydrangeas.  Each year Dorothy, a Master Gardener, seeks out new or different varieties of plants to incorporate into the landscape which brings her joy, hope and peace.

Maison, Rick & Mary
Rick’s Mother was a big influence in his gardening education.  He fondly remembers projects they did together.  Rick and Mary became Master Gardeners in 2007.  They seek out new and unusual plants, trees and shrubs at late season sales.  Rocks, boulders and bricks are creatively used to outline paths and highlight trees.  A beautiful pond with koi, fantails and water plants is surrounded by paths and perennials carefully selected to assure continuous bloom.  The woodland garden has a homemade rebar grape arbor marking the entrance with paths leading to the ‘Fort in the Woods.’  Don’t miss their “growing” collection of Viburnums.

Perky, Roxanna
In only eight short years Roxanne has created a beautiful rustic country garden displaying plants and antique farm implements.  Flower beds surround her potting shed, outhouse (storage) buildings and a pond.  Roxanna was on tour a few years ago and even as that tour was taking place she was developing new vistas and garden rooms.  Her gardens abound with plants to attract butterflies, plants with scents, and masses of beautiful color.  It is an exciting experience to watch her landscape expand.  A true gardener whose garden is never “done”.

Baker, Kathy
In the early years of her teaching career, Kathy had plants in her classrooms and apartments.  In 1985 she purchased this home and moved her love of plants to the outdoors.  Her Father influenced her love of the outdoors and the style she has created is what she call “laid back and comfortable.”  A Master Gardener, Kathy treasures plants she received from gardening friends and the Kousa Dogwood and P.G. Hydrangea received as retirement gifts.  She has just enough whimsy (found items) to be fun but not overpower the plants

Clouse, Robert
Robert started gardening in the 80’s on a small city lot.  When he retired in 2002, he moved to this 2 acre country home in the woods.  He is an outdoor person and an art teacher and looks at his garden as one big art project.  Essentially there was no landscaping and trees had to be removed to let some sun in.  There is little grass to be found as he transitions his borders into the woods.  In the back a large pond with a 30 foot stream, four waterfalls and a bridge are surrounded by sun and shade loving plants.  There are many flowering trees and shrubs.  His garden style is informal and he follows his own artistic instincts as to what works. Throughout his garden you will find beautiful works of art, many from his artist friends.  This fabulous garden requires a little more of a drive, but is worth the trip.  Do not miss it.

Battle Creek Health System
The Healing Garden
Surrounding a large Birdbath with cascading water are beautiful blooming flowers as well as colorful leafy plants.  With some trees against the building creating points of interest are more perennials including beautiful roses.  With the sound of the water creating a tranquil setting, this is truly a “Healing Garden”.

 

The Children's Garden in June

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Laurel Robertson made this amazing Fairy House for our Children's Garden. It is an amazing work of art and it even has faeries living inside! Come and see for yourself! Do you recognize thispink flower?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvia 'Purple Rain' is in the Cupola Science Plaza. Can you find the yellow swallowtail caterpillar in the fennel picture?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sundial and the Zoo gardens are in full bloom right now!

 

All of the pictures below are from the first two years of growing in the Children's Garden.