Beauty Meets Function: North Shore Garden Walk Visitors Gain Inspiration
According to a Mariani Landscape client and North Shore Garden Walk visitor, “The Eklund Memorial Garden is Glencoe’s best kept secret.” Designed by John Mariani, vice president and landscape architect, the Eklund Garden was one of three stops on Mariani’s Third Annual North Shore Garden Walk. The garden features perennials, including some native to the Illinois prairie, carefully chosen to attract birds and butterflies. And John Mariani was on-hand to greet visitors looking for ideas to bring back to their own gardens.
More than 200 guests also visited two other stunning gardens in Glencoe just days after a destructive storm pummeled Chicagoland.
“The garden walk gave me a chance to see how I can improve my own outdoor space,” said a visitor.
“Visitors kept asking if the storm hit the area,” says John Mariani. “They were shocked at how pristine the grounds were following such a destructive storm.”
Visitors viewed a lakefront home with plants selected to reflect the architectural style of the residence. A variety of plants enhance – without obscuring – the view of Lake Michigan. Seat walls create intimate spaces and a swimming pool is just steps away from a patio. A garden wall with perennials on both sides provides privacy and is complemented by herbs and strolling gardens.
Visitors also viewed a 1923 English Revival residence featuring garden room vignettes and symmetrical design. Meditation gardens were also complemented by an English lead fountain and 18th Century urn. “The garden walk gave me a chance to see how I can improve my own outdoor space,” said a visitor.
To view more photos from the garden walk, visit Mariani’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/marianilandscape.
