2023 Garden Walk
Sunday, July 9, 2023
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Vicki Vandenberg
2079 S Point Comfort Rd, Oshkosh
Parking on south side of Point Comfort Rd adjacent the prairie.
In 1976, Vicki moved into a house with only a small 25' x 2' garden on the south side, filled with red chrysanthemums and tulips that have faithfully bloomed for 47 years. Vicki and her late husband, Pete, personally designed the garden, embarking on statewide trips to find unique plants and keeping a comprehensive database of their purchases. From mid-March to early November, the garden features over 500 perennials, including 200 hostas, 20+ miniature hostas, 30 ferns, 15 grasses, and 57 daylilies. Fifteen varieties of hens & chicks have created an explosion of pattern in the sidewalk behind her home. A cute garden shed is located at the rear of the property, surrounded by native woodland plants obtained from Vicki’s grandmother 40 years ago. Look for the large displays of potted succulents and the 6’ white Scottish thistles.
2079 S Point Comfort Rd, Oshkosh
Parking on south side of Point Comfort Rd adjacent the prairie.
In 1976, Vicki moved into a house with only a small 25' x 2' garden on the south side, filled with red chrysanthemums and tulips that have faithfully bloomed for 47 years. Vicki and her late husband, Pete, personally designed the garden, embarking on statewide trips to find unique plants and keeping a comprehensive database of their purchases. From mid-March to early November, the garden features over 500 perennials, including 200 hostas, 20+ miniature hostas, 30 ferns, 15 grasses, and 57 daylilies. Fifteen varieties of hens & chicks have created an explosion of pattern in the sidewalk behind her home. A cute garden shed is located at the rear of the property, surrounded by native woodland plants obtained from Vicki’s grandmother 40 years ago. Look for the large displays of potted succulents and the 6’ white Scottish thistles.
Gary and Carmen Scott
521 Otter Ave, Oshkosh
The Scott property showcases a blend of old and new, with a historic home surrounded by a relatively new garden. Originally from Hawaii, Carmen has been cultivated her gardening skills in the Midwest for six years. The front garden features drought-tolerant perennials on the tree lawn and sedum and burgundy coral bells in front of a charming covered porch. The rear garden is accessed through a private patio adorned with hostas and gifted perennials. Colorful painted doors line the east side of the property while repurposed bedframes help form a fence to contain the Scotts' lively dog. The backyard's highlight is the rain garden, nestled in a low area and flourishing with native prairie plants like golden rod, grasses, and bee balm. Behind the rain garden stands a blossoming memorial dedicated to Gary's son.
521 Otter Ave, Oshkosh
The Scott property showcases a blend of old and new, with a historic home surrounded by a relatively new garden. Originally from Hawaii, Carmen has been cultivated her gardening skills in the Midwest for six years. The front garden features drought-tolerant perennials on the tree lawn and sedum and burgundy coral bells in front of a charming covered porch. The rear garden is accessed through a private patio adorned with hostas and gifted perennials. Colorful painted doors line the east side of the property while repurposed bedframes help form a fence to contain the Scotts' lively dog. The backyard's highlight is the rain garden, nestled in a low area and flourishing with native prairie plants like golden rod, grasses, and bee balm. Behind the rain garden stands a blossoming memorial dedicated to Gary's son.
Luann Rodriguez
307 S Sawyer St, Oshkosh
Luann's garden is a 20-year labor of love, showcasing delightful garden rooms filled with birdhouses, water features, succulents, coral bells, and more. Tall cedars surround the garden, while more than half a dozen carefully pruned trees, including fruit trees, adorn the landscape. Whimsical tree socks (discovered by Luann during a trip to Ireland) add unexpected pops of color; friend Cyndi knitted them, while Sue sewed them on. A container vegetable garden and sweet strawberry patch add charm. Outdoor seating areas include a Mary Garden featuring a statue of St Mary gifted by her mother, a front porch sitting room with recycled windows, an outdoor living room shaded by wisteria, a planting shed, and a fire pot area with a swing. The yard is also scattered with porcelain birds, which were part of her parents' collection.
307 S Sawyer St, Oshkosh
Luann's garden is a 20-year labor of love, showcasing delightful garden rooms filled with birdhouses, water features, succulents, coral bells, and more. Tall cedars surround the garden, while more than half a dozen carefully pruned trees, including fruit trees, adorn the landscape. Whimsical tree socks (discovered by Luann during a trip to Ireland) add unexpected pops of color; friend Cyndi knitted them, while Sue sewed them on. A container vegetable garden and sweet strawberry patch add charm. Outdoor seating areas include a Mary Garden featuring a statue of St Mary gifted by her mother, a front porch sitting room with recycled windows, an outdoor living room shaded by wisteria, a planting shed, and a fire pot area with a swing. The yard is also scattered with porcelain birds, which were part of her parents' collection.
Kris and Mike Racer
1204 Glen Ave, Oshkosh
The Racers' garden embodies the survival of the fittest perennials and their Yard to Table philosophy. It also serves as a tribute to Mike's grandfather, who imparted wisdom on watering using tin cans as a guide: one pea can, one peach can, and so on. The gardens take shape in square or rectangular plots, each featuring its own unique array of plantings. Alongside cherished survivors and collected seeds, the Racers value the perennials and herbs gifted by a neighbor. Most of the garden space is devoted to growing food, with the harvest divided between home storage and friends or family. Nearly all the vegetables, fruits and herbs are planted in neat hills or rows between sunken walkways.
1204 Glen Ave, Oshkosh
The Racers' garden embodies the survival of the fittest perennials and their Yard to Table philosophy. It also serves as a tribute to Mike's grandfather, who imparted wisdom on watering using tin cans as a guide: one pea can, one peach can, and so on. The gardens take shape in square or rectangular plots, each featuring its own unique array of plantings. Alongside cherished survivors and collected seeds, the Racers value the perennials and herbs gifted by a neighbor. Most of the garden space is devoted to growing food, with the harvest divided between home storage and friends or family. Nearly all the vegetables, fruits and herbs are planted in neat hills or rows between sunken walkways.
Jason and Heather Streeter
1223 Olde Apple Ln, Oshkosh
The Streeters affectionately call their garden "Birds in Paradise," a homage to Heather's deep passion for bird watching. With over 30 bird feeders, including some lovingly handmade, the property becomes a haven for a diverse range of feathered visitors, from Baltimore orioles to Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Since 2014, the couple have carefully crafted a beautiful landscape that features an abundant mix of shrubs and plants - all offering food, shelter, and nesting spots for the local avian community. A tribute to her mother, the "Mother's Day Berm," holds a special place in Heather's heart. The Streeters take great pride in sharing this garden with both us and their beloved birds.
1223 Olde Apple Ln, Oshkosh
The Streeters affectionately call their garden "Birds in Paradise," a homage to Heather's deep passion for bird watching. With over 30 bird feeders, including some lovingly handmade, the property becomes a haven for a diverse range of feathered visitors, from Baltimore orioles to Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Since 2014, the couple have carefully crafted a beautiful landscape that features an abundant mix of shrubs and plants - all offering food, shelter, and nesting spots for the local avian community. A tribute to her mother, the "Mother's Day Berm," holds a special place in Heather's heart. The Streeters take great pride in sharing this garden with both us and their beloved birds.
Lynn and Ruth Retzlaff
1891 Scarlet Oak Trl, Oshkosh
The husband-and-wife team of Lynn and Ruth Retzlaff have spent over 25 years crafting their remarkable garden oasis, constantly adding new elements to its splendor. Approaching the home, you’ll enjoy the welcoming atmosphere created by charming touches like a turtle family and ceramic water fountain. Following the stone path to the backyard, you’ll be greeted by colorful signs and art poles scattered throughout the garden, alongside vintage automobile memorabilia paying homage to Lynn's profession. An impressive outdoor kitchen, patio, urn, and sandstone waterfall are featured in the rear as well as Ruth's She Shed and a tranquil memory garden. Every corner of their garden is a testament to their unwavering dedication.
1891 Scarlet Oak Trl, Oshkosh
The husband-and-wife team of Lynn and Ruth Retzlaff have spent over 25 years crafting their remarkable garden oasis, constantly adding new elements to its splendor. Approaching the home, you’ll enjoy the welcoming atmosphere created by charming touches like a turtle family and ceramic water fountain. Following the stone path to the backyard, you’ll be greeted by colorful signs and art poles scattered throughout the garden, alongside vintage automobile memorabilia paying homage to Lynn's profession. An impressive outdoor kitchen, patio, urn, and sandstone waterfall are featured in the rear as well as Ruth's She Shed and a tranquil memory garden. Every corner of their garden is a testament to their unwavering dedication.
