Events

This tour features gardens at two residences a short walking distance from each other. Our hosts share a bit about their gardening journey and what we can expect to see. 

From Brooks Curtis

I live on the Old West Side of Ann Arbor on W. Washington St. Like most properties on the Old West Side, my lot is small. I started converting the front yard six years ago to native plants, and it is still a work in progress. Instead of starting in the backyard�"which is frequently recommended when transitioning to native plants�"I started in the front yard because I didn't want to hide the transformation, and I wanted people to see what can be done. Also, my wife and I spend time on our front porch (as do our neighbors), and we wanted to enjoy the flowers. 

My front yard is gets full sun and has sandy soil, and I have mostly planted plugs with some seeds thrown in for good measure. My approach is to plant random things knowing that I can always move, cut down, or dig up anything that doesn't behave. 

My yard starts blooming in late April and continues blooming until the fall. We get a decent amount of wildlife (butterflies, moths, and birds), including, unfortunately, rabbits. Our biggest joy is hearing compliments about the yard from people walking down the street. I can happily share the journey of the initial planting, which typically requires maintenance.

From Christine Golus

We've lived at our home on Dexter Ave in Ann Arbor for 40 years and have slowly transformed our property into a native garden. I inherited peonies, phlox, hostas, lily of the valley, and daylilies from the previous owners, but began incorporating native plants at least 30 years ago. 

Our neighborhood has towering black, red, and white oaks and black walnuts. A few years ago we lost three massive trees, and that gave me more opportunity to go native (more sun!). 

In addition to our backyard, we own a small landlocked triangle of land behind our house. This former grape vineyard was completely overgrown. We removed metal posts, trellis wires, an old shed, sidewalks (yes, concrete sidewalks), and invasive plants, and we work to keep this area as natural as possible. We've enjoyed seeing what will come up on its own, which includes a lovely stand of alternate leaf dogwood. 

I also volunteer for the City of Ann Arbor's Adopt-a-Median program and together with a few other volunteers planted and tend the garden at the split of Huron/Dexter (by the former Mallek Service gas station).

LOCATION: The address will be shared with members via email.