WILMINGTON — Local residents Cindy and Paul Shivers are busy re-working their charming woodland backyard in preparation for next year’s Carriage House & “Secret Garden” Tour.
Lush Hostas, Lady Ferns, and variegated Solomons Seal have been artfully arranged among the couple’s delightful bird baths — all under a peaceful and shaded canopy of trees.
The event is planned for Saturday, May 22, 2021 in the northeast quadrant of residential Wilmington — to bring awareness to the beautiful properties and quaint laneways of historic Wilmington, and to raise funds in order to plant much needed trees in that neighborhood.
Some of you might remember 18 years ago, when many back laneways were strewn with garbage and other undesirable household items. Within the last six years, residents — along with the city — have made a huge effort towards the clean-up and visual improvement of those spaces.
Conscientious caring homeowners have replaced fencing, re-painted peeling molding, removed overgrown brush and re-planted tiny gardens, making the areas beautiful and worthy of a stroll.
Many people are unaware of our noteworthy neighborhoods displaying detailed architecture such as those with arched awnings, steep gables, “eyebrow” roof lines, or the beautiful dormers with inviting front doors. Next year’s planned walk will highlight many special details which are really quite charming to see. (For those individuals looking for an enjoyable morning out with family after Mother’s Day, please consider purchasing tickets for this lovely walking tour.)
Although nine property owners have already committed to participate, we are commencing our search for at least another 20 gardens and/or carriage houses to help make this event a success.
If you live in the northeast quadrant of residential Wilmington and feel you have a lovely garden or a charming carriage house that should be recognized on the tour, please contact Christine Krisa before Friday, July 17 for further details at 937-382-1999 or at [email protected] . (Ticket sales and timing will be advertised early next year on Facebook @friendsofgalvinpark.)
Collaborating committee members have been working diligently on this event, not only to enlist homeowners to share their carriage house properties and “Secret Gardens” on tour, but also to invite local artists and musicians to display their talents in several of the planned gardens (weather permitting).
The members contributing in the planning of this event also include Julie Bolton (Friends of Galvin Park), Darcy Reynolds (Main Street Wilmington), and Shelby Boatman (Clinton County History Center).
