By James Windell
The South Haven Garden Club wants to lead you down the garden path. But that’s a good thing.
You can walk down the garden path on July 12, 2025 for the 27th Annual Garden Walk. The themed trip “Down the Garden Path” begins at 10:00 am at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, 903 S. Bailey Avenue in South Haven.
“There are six gardens that will be featured on this year’s walk,” says Lisa Stegall, the South Haven Garden Club Publicity Chair. “These are all at the homes of individuals who wish to share their unique gardens with the public.”
Stegall says that this year’s garden walk will be unusual in several ways. “There will be gardens with depth of color combinations, zen water features, a Bonsai collection, whimsical garden art, and a vast array of specialty flowers,” she says. “These are all things not to be missed!”
In addition, there will be a musical element at one of the homes. And another home will feature garden fairies, and a special surprise.
Stegall indicates that she expects more than 400 people to participate in the garden walk this year. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” she says. She also explains that all of the proceeds from the garden walk go towards community programs, such as beautification, education, floral therapy for hospice, scholarships, volunteering and donation efforts – all in South Haven. The Garden Club also provides financial assistance for the Liberty Hyde Bailey Budding Naturalist program.
Along with viewing the amazing gardens on the walk, attendees will be able to shop at the plant sale, treasure barn and craft boutique at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum. All of the items available for purchase are either donated or handmade by Garden Club members. “People should know that they do not need a ticket to come and shop at the Bailey Museum grounds, which is where the walk will begin,” Stegall says. She points out that complimentary refreshments will be provided before attendees head out to view the gardens.
If purchased in advance, tickets are available at Wolverine Ace Hardware, the South Haven Visitors Bureau, and Murphy’s Antique Mall. Tickets are $15 when purchased in advance.
If purchased the day of the walk at the Bailey Museum on July 12, tickets are $18. Children 12 and under are free. Strollers are prohibited when touring the private gardens.
For more information, visit the Garden Club’s website at //www.southhavengardenclub.org
