Description: Barb and Mike moved to Crystal Lake in the summer of 2006. At that time, there were large portions of the 1 1/2 acre corner property that were simply manicured lawn. Starting in 2009, with H.M. Hepperlen as mentor, prairie plants were introduced and the yard has continued to evolve with various garden additions. You’ll see 17 types of native trees, including Bur, White and Chinquapin Oaks, as well as Shagbark Hickory and Tulip Tree. Also, there are 15 different types of native shrubs with large groupings of Nannyberry, Hazelnut and Blackhaw as hedges, and Snowberry around the gazebo. Large areas have been turned into prairie-like gardens, lower wetland plantings, and partial-shade gardens. The yard starts blooming in April/May with Woodland Phlox, Bellwort, Jacob’s Ladder, Sand Coreopsis and Spicebush, continues through summer with numerous prairie plants and wraps up with gorgeous asters and goldenrods. A few goals include continuing to add more shade plants as some younger trees mature, continuing to add sedges, and making progress on our western-facing slope. This yard is a showcase for native plants in multiple meticulously-maintained gardens. Guided walk will start at 10am. Following the walk, H.M. Hepperlen will lead a tour of a portion of the Hollows (an MCCD Nature Preserve) which is adjacent to the Wyndwood subdivision and a short walk from the Mikulicz’s. This area was previously mined leaving behind a sandy sub-soil. It has been restored to a sand prairie and savanna with plants such as Bur Oak, Sumac, Little Bluestem, Spotted Bee Balm, Rough Blazing Star and Pale Purple Coneflower. The tour should take 45-60 minutes.
Directions: Our property is located in the Wyndwood subdivision. Using US 14 and Sands Rd as starting point, head north on Sands, cross railroad tracks, turn right onto Wyndwood Dr., turn right onto Lindsay Ln., turn left onto Carrie Ct. We are the first house on the right, on the corner of Carrie Ct. and Lindsay Ln. 6504 Carrie Ct.
