Participation
in our 2009 Open Days Program was gratifying, particularly in this time when Americans are making studied choices about allocating
their time and resources. The enthusiasm we experienced is one measure of the too often unsung important place gardens have
in our personal and cultural life.
Since the start of the 2010 season, thousands of returning visitors and new audiences around the
country, have embraced the opportunities offered by Open Days to explore garden treasures close to home, meet talented and
knowledgeable gardeners, and learn about the Garden Conservancy and our work. The support we receive from partners and sponsors
helps to make Open Days a successful national program that in turn provides revenue and public awareness crucial for our preservation
work.
Please join Acorn for another tour of private gardens, sponsored by the Garden Conservancy.
Join our resident Horticulturist and Garden Guide, Allan Smessaert for a day of inspired exploration
as we tour Multiple private estates on Chicago's North Shore.
These all-day events will take us through a variety
of private gardens and landscape styles. Experience first-hand the amazing dedication of these talented plantsmen and women
who have opened their gardens for this one day event. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in an amazing private
world of horticultural excellence.
Sponsored by the Garden Conservancy, the 'Open Days Tours' offer that rare glimpse
into some of the top gardens in the country.
Participants will join Allan and guests for a chartered bus trip and
visits to multiple private estates. Allan will act as our informal guide to the gardens, describing their history and background
before arrival at each destination, or you may choose to explore on your own.
We will have an informal question
and answer period after each garden stop as we review the tour. Please bring your own food and drinks for the day (or you
may order a lunch from Acorn), as we will try to confine our lunch to the drive, (which will allow more garden tour time).
Tour fee includes round trip travel from Kankakee and admission to all gardens. We will leave Kankakee promptly at
8:00am and will return at approximately 5:30pm. Trip fee is $75 per person, is payable in advance and is non-refundable. Space
is limited to 23 participants per tour date and no one under 18 years of age will be admitted.
If you have additional
questions, please send an email to info@acorndesignsource.com or fill in the form at left.
