For master gardeners and novices alike, last week's Bud and Blooms Garden Walk was filled with a colorful array of dazzling perennials and breathtaking views.
The 24th annual walk, sponsored by the Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City, showcased six gardens along Old Mission Peninsula including Ruth and Jon Bay's eclectic garden.
"It was such an honor to have our garden chosen, to think that someone else will get some pleasure out of what I enjoy so much," said Ruth Bay, whose garden features hollyhocks bordering a split rail fence echoing an old-fashioned farm garden and a more formal area reminiscent of an English garden.
The setting created by master gardeners Maddie and Jack Coleman surrounding their century old farmhouse served as an inspiration for Plein Aire artist, Jeannine Koessel who used pastels to capture colorful blooms.
"It's a beautiful place to be, so colorful," said Koessel, who enjoys using vibrant colors in her artwork.
Koessel was among a group of Plein Aire artists tucked into scenic corners along the garden walk route. The Encore Society Brass Quintet also performed for the more than 1,900 visitors.
With this year's walk still fresh in their memory, coordinators for next year's walk are already looking for interesting gardens to include.
"It's a matter of getting in the car and looking for something that catches your eye, taking the liberty to introduce yourself to the gardener and explaining how wonderful the visitors are," said this year's coordinator, Jennie Gott.
"The garden club's overall purpose, and the purpose of the walk, is to share our love of gardening and to help educate," Gott noted.