Enjoy a charming day in the countryside exploring 8 various gardens featuring colorful displays, serene ponds, sun and shade gardens and wild natural areas. Take the opportunity to admire or purchase distinctive artwork and Market finds at each garden. The day includes a visit to a historic Norwegian church (This church is where Zoe Bakes filmed her Nordic Treats episode.) with a rain garden and a true Norwegian bake sale, alongside a market filled with baked goods, preserves, fresh vegetables and garden gifts.
Tour is held rain or shine. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the church prior to the event or at any of the gardens; children 10 and under are free with adult supervision. Gardens are open from 10am to 3pm.
GARDENS
Christina Godfrey Address: 2740 35th St W, Webster, MN 55088 (Saturday only)
Highlights: Two ponds with bogs and waterfalls that are homes large koi. There are several water and bog plants including 4 varieties of lotus and 13 varieties of waterlily. There is a water feature by the front door and some perennial gardens around the pond areas.
Artist: none
Roxanne & Dick Simon Address: 8231 Aberdeen Trail, Northfield MN 55057
Highlights: Native woodland and shade plants along the edge of a pond. Newly enchanted garden created by grandchildren and colorful blooms and rose bushes framing a pool. Vegetable garden, cutting garden, maple syrup sugar shack and roaming chickens all add to this .
Artist: Jerry Skluzacek – Metal Garden Art
Robbie Cheever Address: 5842 Union Lake Trail, Lonsdale MN 55046
Highlights: How a weed infested country yard can turn into stunning perennial gardens by finding free plants, scouring marketplace and sharing plants. Robbie is a Master Gardener.
Artist: Mrs. Sew & Sew
Historic Trondhjem Church Address: 8501 Garfield Ave, Lonsdale MN 55046
Highlights: Rain garden is located behind this church built in 1899 which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Great place for a break, enjoy a Norwegian tea and treat. Restrooms are available.
Market: The market features a delightful selection of fresh vegetables, plants, preserves, baked goods, and refreshments, including a variety of Norwegian treats including lefse!
Fran Sticha Address: 513 Arizona Street, Lonsdale MN 55046
Highlights: Gardening at the edge of town with endless show of color, cheerful presentation, detailed arrangements and homemade rain barrels. Fran is a Master Gardener.
Artist: King’s Creations / Dog kerchiefs, decorative towels, table runners, jewelry and more! Takes Venmo
Karen & Frank Marshall Address: 10480 80th St. W. Lonsdale, MN 55046
Highlights: Striking perennials, whimsical annuals, and charming fairy garden. Marshall’s just celebrated their 25th year of Hillside Gift and Garden Nursery and their property benefits from it!
Artist: RR Revival featuring vintage goods, home & garden items.
Deb & Dale Simon Address: 112527 50th St. W. New Prague, MN 56071
Highlights: Lilac-lined driveway, charming front garden, adorned with an antique cupola, native prairie grasses, wild roses, wild black raspberries and mushroom logs!
Artist: Bob Pollard uses a variety of textiles in his art.
Maria & Kevin Thoreson Address: 4080 Independence Ave. Webster, MN 55088
Highlights: Impressive boulder retaining combining exceptional hardscape materials with lovely, sprawling sunny gardens. Maria is also a new Rice County Master Gardener!
Artist: Pet Face Portraits / Custom painted portraits of Pet Face Portraits plus original art/prints
This events benefits the ministries of Trondhjem Lutheran Church.
