City Times Staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — An 18-year tradition will continue with this year’s Wood County Master Gardeners 2017 Garden Walk.

For the past 18 years, Wood County Master Gardeners have worked with area homeowners who open their gardens and yards to hundreds of visitors. The results have earned the Wood County Master Gardener Volunteers the reputation for sponsoring a garden walk that attracts visitors from all over Wisconsin and nearby states.

On July 8, they will celebrate their 18th garden walk. Several of the garden sites for 2017 are located in the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa (Town of Rome) area and are uniquely different. Featured will be stone walking paths, tiered beds, sitting areas, various types of foliage, retaining walls by the river, trees, shrubs, plants, and much more.

The walk also acts a fundraiser for Wood County Master Gardeners, and will support horticulture and ecological education programs. Some highlights of the event inlcude a live chef demonstration from Chef Matt Andrea of the Nekoosa School District, live music from violinist Emily Smith and flutist Maggie Schultz, and work from local artists.

Call the UW-Extension Wood Co. office at 715-421-8440 for a list of locations or go online at http://wood-county-master-gardeners.org — or on Facebook.

Ticket price is $10.00. Ticket sales are final. The garden walk will be held rain or shine. Refreshments will be available.