Garden walk to benefit teen: Cassidy Terry of Polo is being treated for leukemia
POLO – Several area families will open their summer gardens to the public to support the Cassidy Terry Medical Fund.
Cassidy, the 16-year-old daughter of Tena and Drew Terry, of Polo, is being treated for acute myeloid leukemia.
The gardens will be open for viewing from 4-8 p.m. July 10 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11. Start at any garden and stop at as many as you wish.
No tickets are necessary; however, donation jars will be available at each site along with orange ribbons designating your support of the leukemia fund for Cassidy.
A donation raffle will be held for a handmade wooden wheelbarrow made by Jim Williams, a handmade wooden obelisk made by Ted Boddiger, and a gift certificate donated by Hidden Timbers.
The wheelbarrow can be seen at the Williams’ garden and the obelisk at the Grossnickles’ garden.
For more information, call 815-946-3209 or 815-946-2926.
Who’s taking part in Polo’s ‘Gardens of Hope’
Families and addresses participating in the “Gardens of Hope” include:
Randy and Nancy Ocken, 3445 N. Union Road. Native plants naturalizing at will, some taming required. See a treehouse under construction. Wander through pathways on this unique country acreage.
Ed and Nancy Grossnickle, 207 Maple Ave. Beautiful cottage flower gardens with delightful garden art including a garden gal named Annie. As a bonus to this garden setting, enjoy “Summerhill” a garden shed inviting you to come inside and sit awhile.
Vernon and Chris Shenefelt, 608 E. Webster St. Backyard beds featuring a shared sunny garden with neighbors, consisting of annuals and perennials surrounding a pergola. There are three privacy panels with a variety of shrubs and perennials. Smaller beds feature hosta, ferns, and grasses. The owner’s love for gazing balls can be appreciated as they are nestled among her gardens. Potted plants are located in the fenced-in patio area.
Marty and Kathy Toms, 6161 Oakwood Lane. The Toms’ landscaping is wonderful everywhere you look. Flowers, a vegetable garden, garden art, and a delightful pond await you.
Paul and Beverly Wiemken, 6149 Oakwood Lane. Next door to the Toms, the Wiemken’s is an amazing 7 acres adjacent to a gray cedar log home featuring extensive raised vegetable plots, and cottage-style perennial flower beds.
Bob and Alice Cassens, 6886 S. state Route 26. This is a large rural yard with a wind break of 78 fir trees, 32 Red Twig Dogwood, and 25 Nanking Cherry. Landscaping is of an informal nature. Trees include four hybrid Salix, two dwarf apple, and a Ginkgo. Perennial gardens have 53 varieties of hosta, 107 varieties of daylilies, and many more perennials and shrubs. The planting on the steep roadside slope was created because it was difficult to mow.
David and Peggy Bucher, 11812 Edgewood Road. A very large country yard featuring wonderful sun and shade flower gardens, and a “box” vegetable garden. A prairie and wildflower bed is in the process of being added.
Jim and Mary Williams, 10567 Birdie Court. This is the first of three lovely yards on display in the Mekeel Subdivision west of the Edgewood Golf Course. You are invited to stroll down the serene path of an amazing woodland garden including delightful garden art. Enjoy their collection of unusual perennials and shurbs.
Ron and Nancy Lenhart, 10691 Birdie Court. Another wonderful garden stop in the Mekeel Subdivision southeast of Polo. The beautiful yard abounds in a riot of color as the well-cared-for landscape highlights the work and creativity of the owners.
Jim and Robin Jefford, 10654 W. Eagle Court. You will enjoy walking through the restful wooded haven also in the Mekeel Subdivision. The landscape also includes several unique flower gardens and a terraced area. Visitors will delight in the private golf hole.
