One of the many sights on the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Walk is the property owned by Luann and Lew Derrickson and located at 10739-33 N. Southshore Drive, Syracuse. the Walk will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 27.
The five gardens featured on the 2015 Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club Garden Walk are beautiful, diverse and crammed full of ideas for gardening fans. For those who just like spending time outside, this tour is well worth the time, too.
It will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 24. Each garden will be marked with a daisy sign. Tickets can be purchased until the day of the walk at Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware, Dynamic Landscaping and Creative Fish Art Gallery, all in Syracuse, and Clayton’s Garden Center, North Webster. Tickets will be for sale the day of the walk at all of the gardens. Proceeds are used by the garden club for civic beautification and scholarships.
Ranging from two Lake Wawasee gardens to three country escapes, there is something for everyone to see and appreciate. Gardens can be visited in any order throughout the day.
Starting just north of US 6 at 71701 CR 133 is the extensive gardens of Deb and John Landa. The couple have done all the work themselves and have built a scenic paradise on what was formerly farm land and marsh. They will be serving refreshments and sharing plants with those who would like them. A large pond and wooded shade garden are featured, along with flower and veggie gardens.
At 72931 CR 133, Betty and Roger Kern have taken significant acreage and turned it in to a charming, rustic retreat with vignettes located throughout the property. Birds and butterflies are a theme here, as well as flowers and a variety of vegetable gardens.
On Lake Wawasee, at the site of the old Johnson Hotel, visitors will enjoy the home landscaping of Judy and Alex Pursley, 6837 E. Eli Lilly Road. Lush plantings feature happy colors that enhance the stunning view of the lake.
Head out Bowser Road and turn left on 11078 North 450 E to enjoy the property of Kristy and Rusty Rumfelt. A professional landscaper, extensive hardscape and landscape has been added since the couple purchased property. Family enjoyment is the key here and the koi pond is a favorite. Relaxing can be done in the screen gazebo or around the fire pit.
Many may have admired the two yellow houses and gardens of LuAnn and Lew Derrickson, 10730-33 N. Southshore Drive. Surrounded by white fencing, a pergola welcomes visitors to the colorful grounds. Flower boxes and baskets enhance the home and the Lake Wawasee view is amazing. The banks from the lake up the hill to the home have been filled with perennials and annuals.
The garden clubs requests for visitors to please use paths if present in the gardens, not to pick flowers or handle the statuary. Pets are prohibited. The walk will go on rain or shine.
Admission price of $10 per person includes the ticket with a map of how to get to all the garden. The ticket should be presented at each garden. Children 10 and under are free and welcome in the company of an adult.