The scriptures teach that when God first gave man a home He chose to place him in a garden, a place of gentle simple beauty and serenity.  In fact, it is difficult to be in any garden and not feel a sense of what perfection was meant to be.

The members of the Illinois Dunesland Garden Club certainly have the right idea about how to spend their time and they are inviting everyone to join them for an area Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12th, 2008.  The tour will begin at the Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Avenue, and visit eight beautifully maintained, private gardens in Zion, Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor.  The event is free of charge and registration begins at 9:00.  The tour will be open from 9:30 – 1:30 and is self-guided with maps available at the library. 

One of the featured stops on the Garden Tour is the home of Diane and Howie Burkemper..  The Burkempers have gardened together since 1985, the year they were married.  Both grew up
in the country and experienced early on the patience and pride associated with making things grow.  Diane notes, “Down there on my hands and knees in the hot sun, I realize a true sense of wonder and deep appreciation for flowers and all plants.  Blooms are truly one of God’s most amazing creations, and to this day I can still have my breath taken away by a beautiful flower.”

The Burkemper’s flowers are abundant as a formalized front garden gives way to a whimsically casual side and back yard.  Alpine currant, hosta, lily, pulmonaria and spurge set the stage while free-spirited poppy, geranium, coreopsis and astilbe soften the look.  One-of-a-kind artwork provides the crowning touch to this lovingly tended garden. 

Knowing that life is all about balance, Howie and Diane included a fire pit and space for outdoor games.  They enjoy entertaining friends and family.  “We’d like our gardens to serve as a welcome mat, letting visitors know that we have prepared for their arrival and we’re glad they’ve come.”

Please come join the Illinois Dunesland Garden Club for its annual Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12th.  They have been spreading the love of gardens since 1957!  For more information please contact Chairperson Helen Koetz at (847) 731-2317 or visit www.duneslandgardenclub.com

It all began in a garden and if you spend a few hours touring some of the area’s finest ones you’ll be gently and pleasantly reminded why.