Ravenswood Manor's Garden Walk Has Evolved Since The '60s, So Have Flowers

RAVENSWOOD MANOR — Sunday's Ravenswood Manor garden walk is an annual neighborhood tradition that dates back more than 50 years, and boy have things changed.

According to a 1964 article in the Chicago Tribune, the walks at that time featured winners from the Manor's yearly "lawn and garden contest," as judged by members of the Garden Clubs of Illinois. "Roses and well-trimmed shrubs" were all the rage.

Fast-forward to 2017. More than 20 proud homeowners have volunteered to have their gardens included in the walk — no judgment required.

Far from the manicured landscapes of yore, many of the Manor gardens on view Sunday incorporate native plants and other sustainable practices. While the plants may be different — yesterday's rose is today's coneflower — the result is no less lovely.

The garden walk runs 1-4 p.m. Pick up maps at the pergola in Ravenswood Manor Park, 4626 N. Manor Ave. 

^{[Chicago Tribune archives]}