This cherished summer tradition is a vibrant celebration of gardening, community, and creativity. The 2025 event will showcase six private home gardens and two public gardens throughout Champaign County, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to explore innovative garden designs and learn from experienced Master Gardeners.
Designing Our Gardens: Themes and Highlights
- Designing for pollinators, such as butterfly gardens and bee hotels
- Edible landscapes, including vegetable gardens and fruit trees
- Unique hardscapes, including water features and outdoor fireplaces
- Artistic plant combinations, including bold color palettes and sculptural plants
- Productive gardens, including orchards and herb gardens
- Peaceful gardens, including meditation spaces and sensory gardens
The 2025 Garden Walk highlights the creativity and thoughtfulness that gardeners bring to their outdoor spaces. Each garden has been carefully curated to showcase a unique theme or design style, from traditional to modern and everything in between.
Pollinator Week and the Champaign-Urbana Pollinator Quest
- The Champaign-Urbana Pollinator Quest is a community science project that encourages residents to observe and record pollinators using the iNaturalist app.
- During Garden Walk, visitors can participate in the Quest and contribute to local environmental efforts by tracking the types of pollinators they see and recording their observations.
- “Garden Walk visitors will have a great opportunity to contribute to local environmental efforts,” said Karla Griesbaum, Extension Educator. “While enjoying these beautifully designed gardens, they can also help document which pollinators are active in our area as part of National Pollinator Week.”
By participating in the Champaign-Urbana Pollinator Quest, attendees can help track the local population of pollinators and contribute to a larger understanding of the importance of these vital creatures in our ecosystem.
Supporting the Champaign County Master Gardeners
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Champaign County Master Gardeners’ community outreach and education efforts, including demonstration gardens at the Crisis Nursery, the Idea Garden, and Ying Ying’s Garden.
“Garden Walk is more than a celebration of gardens—it’s a way to invest in learning, growing, and giving back,” said Ginger Boas, University of Illinois Extension County Director.
“Your ticket supports projects that teach and inspire,” said Boas. “By attending the Garden Walk, you will be investing in the local gardening community and supporting efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
Getting Involved
Tickets are priced at $10, with free admission for children ten and under. Advance tickets can be purchased at Country Arbors Nursery in Urbana, Prairie Gardens in Champaign, by calling the University of Illinois Extension office, or online.
“We encourage everyone to attend the Garden Walk and experience the beauty and creativity of our local gardens,” said Mary Knight, Master Gardener and event organizer.
Join the Fun
The Champaign County Master Gardeners invite you to their annual Garden Walk, a delightful event that celebrates the joy of gardening and community.
