Just inside the entry gates, perennial gardens surround and frame the Tudor-style home. Borders and berms of roses, hollies, azaleas, magnolias and evergreens are interspersed with masses of annual and perennial plantings. A stone pathway leads to a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley, while clipped box hedges, English roses, salvia and sage, dogwoods and crabs intermingle in small gardens defined by a cut limestone patio.
At its center, a tiered stone fountain splashes into a rectangular English basin. Thyme, ajuga, Lady’s Mantle and veronicas spill onto stonewalls, paths and walkways, creating a vision of the misty Cotswald gardens of England. Clematis, roses and wisteria climb the terraced walls and the tall wrought iron fences. Gardens of clipped yews and colorful perennials form small vistas leading to a music garden, statue and a small pond.
This is the home of Tracy and Vic Heuermann, the feature garden on the Peoria Garden Club’s 2012 “Garden Glories” walk. Taking inspiration from the romantic English gardens of Sissinghurst, Kiftsgate and Barnsley, Tracy, a Master Gardener and Master Landscape Design Consultant, designed and created the gardens upon returning from a trip to England.
On June 14th, you can stroll through the Heuermann Gardens and four other private gardens when they open to the public for the Peoria Garden Club’s largest fundraiser. Advance tickets can be purchased for just $15 at Hoerr Nursery, Green View Nursery, Sheridan Nursery Garden Shop, Kelly Seed & Hardware, Gregg Florist, or by calling (309) 444-4563. All proceeds benefit the club’s civic projects, including this year’s major new project, the design and creation of a new garden at Crittenton Centers.
