CHICAGO — Gardening can be a spectator sport, too.
Florists and floral enthusiasts can take advantage of the mild weather forecast for this weekend to check out some of the best backyard planting beds the Northwest Side has to offer, with garden walks planned in Norwood Park on Saturday and Edgebrook on Sunday.
The Norwood Park Garden Walk will lead off Saturday with a self-guided tour of 11 floral destinations in the neighborhood, including a koi pond and the city's only Blue Star memorial garden, according to Norwood Park Senior Center director Keith Chase-Ziolek.
Any time between 10 a.m.-2 p.m., visitors can stop by the senior center, 5801 N. Natoma Ave., for a printed map that pinpoints each stop along the tour.
Participants are asked to donate $20 to the senior center if they grab a spot in advance by calling 773-775-6071, or $25 if they request a map on site.
On Sunday, the Edgebrook-Sauganash Garden Walk will offer a similar self-guided tour showing off 15 gardens in the leafiest corner of the city.
From 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., maps marking the sites across Edgebrook, Sauganash and Wildwood will be available at the North Branch Arts Community Garden, 6431 N. Kinzua Ave.
Organizers will request a $15 donation to benefit the Edgebrook Community Association and North Branch Arts, with kids under 12 admitted for free. A silent auction will offer chances to bid on "lovely container gardens, bird houses, garden hats and gloves from local greenhouses and sponsors," according to an event description.
