Residents ready to show off gardens July 16

Canton Township resident Joyce Sullivan poses inside her backyard gazebo. She’s hoping for a good turnout at the Canton Garden Walk this month.

Joyce Sullivan knows the meaning of patience.

She began creating the garden of her dreams when she moved into her Canton Township home in 1980.

“This is a 15-year process,” she said as she walked into her backyard. “Now if I can keep the bunnies away for two more weeks.”

She was preparing for the Canton Garden Walk, in which her yard is one of eight featured landscaped spaces.

She and her husband, Dan, started by planting birch trees and building a large deck.

“We actually had someone come in and draw up plans, at first,” she said. “Then I thought, ‘I don’t like any of this.’”
Then it began to evolve, one season at a time.

“It really just becomes a process. Once I knew I wanted the gazebo off the deck area, from there the other areas just come together.”

She’s had various landscapers and carpenters help her realize the garden, which includes several beds of perennials and annuals, a water feature and the crown jewel—an authentic 19th century gas street lamp from England, now converted to electric.

“With a perennial garden you are constantly rearranging and moving things,” she added. “Some things work in some areas and some things don’t.”

Unfortunately, the garden appeals to more than just human tastes.

“This year has been a huge challenge,” she said. “The bunnies have destroyed nine rose bushes.”

She pointed to one patch near her deck.

“Beautiful bell flowers usually just fill that area, but now they’re in some bunny’s stomach.”

She’s gotten some replacements, though, and was preparing to fence off her yard in the weeks leading to the garden walk.

All the challenges are worth it, she added.

“My favorite part is really coming out in the morning and it’s quiet and peaceful and the birds are out. Everybody’s so hustle-bustle right now and stressed with work.”

The garden walk is organized by members of the Canton Garden Club and is in the eighth year. The event takes place, rain or shine, from 1-6 p.m. on July 16.

New this year is a garden market located at the Canton Historical Museum on Canton Center Road. Garden locations are not handicap accessible, though the Canton Historical Museum and Vendor Market do have a paved sidewalk and are accessible. Strollers are allowed at the museum and market, but not at the gardens. Photo taking is welcome.

For more information call (734) 254-1023. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 on the day of the event.

| Online Form

Copyright © 2006 Journal Newspapers. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2006 Journal Newspapers. All rights reserved.