Oak Park Newspaper

June 23, 2007
Saturday....with a start of RAIN

Gardens Like Rain, Garden Walks Prefer Rain the Day Before a Walk
by Ed Vincent

The Oak Park and River Forest Garden Walk started with showers, cloudy skies, and then some more rain. Many left
their homes with umbrellas in hand, and a few came with rain coats or jackets. The subdued light worked well visually speaking and the afternoon did dry up to help the day.

Live lilies in a yard trump lilies at any funeral.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Rain water stored and used instead of lost down
the sewer system.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

When the day wound down we looked back at beauty, work actually done by the owners of the yard, and thoughtful planning for the local ecology. The one
garden that kept coming to mind as outstanding was
the one by the Battersbys. Husband and wife worked
together on this project and did many of the projects
themselves.

Marci and Stephen Battersby

The First Annual Garden Award Goes to

Marci and Stephen Battersby

Last Photo of Marci and Stephen Battersby's Garden

Nice transitions, isolation, and lots of growth in this Garden

The best hanging mini-Garden we've seen.

How most of the dinosaurs did without flowers
is a shame. They did have nice ferns.

A Fairy Garden has moved into this yard. Are they taxed?

This beautiful garden in River Forest has a yard and a
half, by purchasing the neighbor's house, taking some
yard area and re-selling the house with a smaller yard.

Oak Park Library's top Gardener Debby Preiser volunteers each year on this grand event.

Fast moving shallow water prevents mosquito
breeding and inhibits algae growth.

Gardens with lots of contrast in materials, colors, and plants
often get that second look.