Since March is the month of spring and blossoms, it’s time to think ahead to our yards and gardens. Little Italy has again been selected to be one of the Cleveland neighborhoods participating in GardenWalk Cleveland (GWC). The mission of GWC is to nurture community, beautify neighborhoods and encourage civic pride through free tours of private, community and home gardens in several neighborhoods around the city. This year, the self-guided tours will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to Little Italy, the following neighborhoods will also be featured: Broadway Slavic Village, Collinwood, Detroit Shoreway, Fairfax, Old Brooklyn, and West Park/Bellaire Puritas. Each neighborhood will be open to visitors one day – either Saturday or Sunday.
This event shines a spotlight on the beauty of Little Italy’s streets and is an open invitation for visitors to explore our neighborhood through a positive lens. Visitors often rekindle past neighborhood ties of relatives, growing up here or attending college in the area. It provides a more intimate view of our neighborhood than one might experience during the Feast of the Assumption.
In 2018, our initial year, we had more than 35 resident and business participants. We had numerous positive comments from visiting gardeners and participants alike! This year, we hope to have even more neighbors sign up. Gardens do not need to be fancy, “just” a front yard is fine (although side and backyards are also welcome)! We are not a juried show and gardens are varied. All types and sizes are welcome: vegetable and shade gardens, flower gardens, interesting and unique styles, ones with yard decorations and those without. We are looking for as many folks as possible who are willing to share their gardens.
Little Italy will welcome visitors on Sunday, July 14. GWC will provide a yard sign and brochure to assist visitors in locating open gardens. Homeowners need not be present, although talking with visitors and answering questions about your garden and our beloved neighborhood is part of the fun! For more information visit www.gardenwalkcleveland.org. Please contact Paulette Colarochio at 216.798.3824, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Charlie Reed-Mundell at 216.990.9280, (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), your neighborhood “gardenfinders,” for more information or to be a participant. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
