BUCKTOWN — The Bucktown Garden Walk, a volunteer-run community event that aims to connect neighbors and offer nature-loving tourists a glimpse into city gardening techniques has put out the call: It needs more gardens.
"We don't expect sprawling landscapes at every garden. We want all kinds of gardens to be represented and to inspire others to see what is possible in an urban neighborhood," said the walk's co-organizer Meredith Flagstad.
As of Thursday, more than 30 residents have signed up their gardens — close to one-third of a goal of 100 for the event, set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 15-16.
Gardeners can volunteer their garden online; there is no fee to register.
All types of greenery are welcome, from parkways and container gardens to yards.
"We have gardens that show off thoughtful, native plant perennial gardens that are sustainable and easy to maintain, others that showcase beautiful flowers and lots of colorful annuals. Many residents are moving toward kitchen and edible gardens, so we all work to find what is successful on rooftops and balconies, where we have to combat our resident urban rodents and the usual garden pests," Flagstad said.
Proceeds from the 13th annual walk, which asks a $10 suggested donation for entry at one of three check-ins (Club Lucky, Churchill Park or Lottie's), will benefit the Bucktown Community Organization, which organizes the event.
The group will use the Garden Walk proceeds on neighborhood beautification projects, tree planting and green initiatives, Flagstad said.
Churchill Park, 1825 N. Damen Ave., will serve as the walk's headquarters and will host a children's area in the park that includes urban gardening education. Lottie's will offer a petting zoo adjacent to the bar.
This year's walk will also include a beer garden and block party with food and drinks along Winchester Avenue on the eastern side of Churchill Park, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on both days of the walk.
Once visitors grab a guide at any of the three check-in locations, they can take a self-guided tour of the local gardens or hop on a trolley to shuttle around to Bucktown’s most beautiful gardens. Local arborists will also be available for educational walks to help folks identify trees in the neighborhood's urban forest.
Several volunteers are also needed for shifts of 2-4 hours. Volunteer positions include event set-up and take down, manning the information booths, selling merchandise, taking photos and more.
"The Bucktown Community Organization recently did a membership survey and the overwhelming response was that our neighbors want a reason to get out of their houses, have something fun and often family-friendly to do. They want activities, food and drinks and a way to feel connected to the community. The garden walk will be able to be all of that, but we need the support of volunteers to keep this an authentic, only-in-Bucktown weekend event," Flagstad said.
For questions or more information, or to sign up to be a volunteer, email Flagstad at garden@bucktown.org. For photos from previous years, visit bucktown.org/GardenWalk.
