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Public to get a look at 'secret garden'

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

Assorted trellises, birdhouses and more decorate the backyard of Don and Lyn Allison’s home at 731 N. Garfield Ave. in Janesville. The couple’s ‘secret garden' will be among those featured in the annual Rotary Gardens Home Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12.

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

A wren feeds its hatchlings at one of several bird houses in Don and Lyn Allison’s backyard.

Photo

Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

A purple foxglove is just one of the flowers that adorns the backyard garden at the Allison home.

JANESVILLE — Tucked behind the small, single-story white house with its formal front yard landscaping lies something unexpected.

It's a secret garden.

The only hint of what blooms behind the meticulously kept house is the climbing clematis, old-time roses and hibiscus growing alongside it before entering the lush retreat.

First, the rock garden is tucked in the corner between the narrow concrete driveway and three-season porch. Then, the shade garden borders the one-car garage. A wooden arbor accents the space between small and large islands of flowerbeds.

And just when you think you've arrived to gardener heaven, more lies beyond the green grass. A wooden deck behind the garage welcomes guests to take a load off their feet, sit and enjoy the view.

Blending with the fronds of the fern garden are hostas and azaleas. Red salvia and impatiens bloom at the base of a towering pin oak. Other elements in the backyard flower garden of Don and Lyn Allison are accent pieces handpicked by Lyn—bird and butterfly houses, plaques, stepping stones and framed banners.

The garden will be among seven featured on this year's Rotary Gardens Home Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12.

Solar lanterns adorning the fence are placed throughout the flowerbeds and illuminate the backyard garden at night.

"We love to sit on the deck and smell the sweet aroma of the garden and the scent of the roses next to the kitchen window," Don said.

Although something is always blooming in the Allison gardens, the lilies—30 varieties of Asiatic and that many more daylilies—are their favorites.

"They just have so much beauty," Lyn said, as she ran her index finger inside one of the flower's delicate petals.

Don's gardening philosophy is that if a flower is out of place it's a weed, and he gets rid of it. And if plantings are too close together, he'll "yank 'em out."

The Allisons do all their own gardening—from design to upkeep.

"It wouldn't be our garden if we didn't," Don said.

FEATURED GARDENS

These Janesville gardens will be featured during the Rotary Gardens Home Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12:

-- Gary and Peggy Orsburne, 3353 Colby Lane

This garden, which borders the greenbelt, features serene islands of color and texture plus annuals, perennials, containers and birdhouses all with an emphasis on wildlife.

-- Yoinais Dakanze, 1412 Ruger Ave.

The grounds of this recently restored Brewster Randall House feature a work in progress. Boxwoods, lawn area, roses and a casual English garden all are features of this expanding garden.

-- Don and Lyn Allison, 731 N. Garfield Ave.

This "secret garden" contains scented lilies, numerous perennials and some annuals plus trickling water in a cozy nook, along with birds and butterflies.

-- Pat and Tom Hall, 419 Williams St.

This garden, featured on the 2001 tour, is filled with tough plants and numerous containers featuring a cacti and succulents.

-- Bev and Bob Drew, 978 Nantucket Drive

This yard welcomes guests with a curved walkway flanked with a raised bed, grasses, shrubs and unique trees. The colorful backyard opens to a city park and features a wide range of plants and other garden elements.

-- Anda O'Connell, 25 Marshall Place

This simple yet busy garden design was an inspiration of the owners need to diversify her lot's space. Featured are perennials, topiaries, trellises, statuary and a pond that crosses the back of the yard.

-- Cedar Crest, 1702 S. River Road

These gardens are the results of individual gardeners who created them from a variety of ideas.

IF YOU GO

What: Rotary Gardens Home Garden Tour

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Rain or shine.

Where: Seven gardens in Janesville (see listings).

Tickets: $9 in advance at Rotary Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, and K&W Greenery, Highway 14 East, Janesville. $12 day of event. Children 12 and younger admitted free.