By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Even with the carefully tailored aspects of Dennis Decker's front yard – the flowerbeds, the Japanese Maple that will eventually grow to shadow the walkway on the side of the house – none of it gives any clues to what waits for visitors in the backyard.
Behind Decker's house is a carefully laid out and beautifully constructed pond. Stone walkways lead the way from either side of the house to the back yard. Decker has taken special care to line each side with a variety of plants and flowers that simply transport visitors into a space of remarkable beauty. The patio set looks directly out to the stone landscaping at the pond's end, which is equipped with two waterfalls.
Decker is store manager of God's Green Earth and his pond is just one of the stops that many will find on the 2008 Michiana Water Garden Tour being held Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13. God's Green Earth sponsors the tour and all proceeds go to benefit Healthwin Specialized Care in South Bend, Ind.
The Michiana Water Garden Tour began in 1997. But the special connection between God's Green Earth and Healthwin began in 2004 after the non-profit, long term care facility suffered extensive damage to their grounds after a tornado.
God's Green Earth helped the organization in planning for a new pond for Healthwin. What came about was a 15,000-gallon pond. Healthwin later expanded the landscaping of its grounds to include a second pond, walkways a playground and more. Darden Park at Healthwin in South Bend is a stop on the tour.
The tour is self-guided. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Healthwin or God's Green Earth, 2824 S. 11th St., Niles. The tickets include an extensive guide, complete with listings for each stop on the tour, descriptions of what visitors will find on those stops and even turn-by-turn directions.
Whether an avid gardener, a lover of the outdoors or one with relatively pale green thumb – the Michiana Water Garden Tour, Decker said is something to be enjoyed by many, "especially if they're looking for ideas."
Shari Ford, coordinator of the event this year and manager at Ponds &Beyond, which specializes in pond care, repair and consulting said that visitors will have the benefit of meeting homeowners where many of the ponds are located. "Most of the homeowners will be there," she said. "That way (visitors) can ask questions if they want."
Installing various types of ponds and putting more money and effort into the landscape of front and back yards seems to be gaining ground with homeowners these days. By "leaps and bounds," said Decker.
With more and more people choosing to save money in a struggling economy by staying at home – relaxing spaces like the ones found on the tour can provide the feeling of an exotic getaway. And the event seems to have grown a strong following.
Ford said "anywhere from a couple hundred people" usually take part in the tour throughout the weekend.
God's Green Earth and Healthwin are in the process of getting tickets sold right now. The event will take place rain or shine, Ford said.
Those planning to take part in the tour are reminded to be respectful of homeowners' property when visiting and no pets are allowed on the tour. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m.