First CH GardenWalk a success despite heat
The first GardenWalk in Cleveland Heights, held July 20 and 21, was a free, self-guided tour of 50 gardens across the city. With the temperature on Saturday at around 95 degrees, few peopled ventured out, but on Sunday, with the temperature 10 degrees cooler, most gardeners reported having more than 50 guests.
The gardens included one with an adult tree house, and there were many with wonderful water features, and ponds with enormous koi. Others showcased beautiful perennial flower beds and several Japanese-inspired gardens. Old friends reconnected, and neighbors met neighbors. The walk proved to be a great community-building event as well as an inspiration to all who enjoyed the beauty of the landscaping.
Tom Gibson, Elsa Johnson and Madeline Macklin worked with Cleveland Heights High School students to create a series of 10 pollinator pocket gardens on Langton Road. For many people who visited them, it was the first time they had been in that neighborhood.
Cleveland Heights' GardenWalk will be repeated in 2020, on July 18 and 19.
Jan Kious
Jan Kious, resident of Cleveland Heights since 1974, founded and organized the Cleveland Heights Garden Walk.