Linmar Gardens, Illinois, United States

5Taylor B 5:00 PM Aug 23, 2017

Galena's best-kept secret
Perched atop a rocky limestone bluff overlooking historic Galena, Illinois, is the city's best-kept secret, an oasis called Linmar Gardens, a 3 1/2-acre wooded wonderland that had been mined for lead, quarried for stone and used as a garbage dump until it was purchased and resurrected by a painter with an artist's eye for beauty. Hal Martin left a career in advertising to pursue painting. Trained at the Chicago Art Institute, he fell in love with Galena and purchased the property in 1976 as a weekend retreat. Eight years later, he made Linmar his permanent residence, settling into the stately 1853 brick house and the neglected surroundings. Over the years, the old garbage dump was converted into a garden with a 20-foot waterfall cascading from a natural bluff, meadows, flowing brooks, ponds and two gazebos. In addition, a replica of a small mine is cut into the side of a limestone wall. But the centerpiece of Linmar Gardens is the Sunken Garden, the foundation of one of the oldest African American churches in Illinois. The walls of the basement remain and there is a "Baptismal Font" i the center with a lovely fountain. Visitors are surrounded by a myriad of flowers and many find the Sunken Garden an inspirational place to sit and reflect. Linmar Gardens is open for private guided tours from mid-May through October.

3savory-toothed-tiger 5:00 PM Sep 17, 2015

Nice Little Garden Walk Near Downtown
This privately owned and privately maintained garden is one three-acre surprise located just up the hill from the Galena Public Library at the south end of Prospect Street. It's a little confusing as to what is private or public up there, but there is signage to assist you. There are two private residences within the garden, and a couple of those guys who live there, Bob or Hal, could be your guides. These gentlemen created the gardens over a forty year period from a wild wooded area. That is what's most amazing. Water systems being waterfalls, rocky streams, and Koi ponds, rock walls and cement holding tanks are featured as well. One really unique space was carved from the old foundation of one of Illinois' oldest African-American churches, located right there in their yard. It has a distinctive European feel. Pathways wind, sculptures abound, and there is an artist's studio (not part of the tour) and there are stories behind almost every stone and tree. Just remember if you get Bob as your guide turn off your cell phone, if you don't want a verbal lashing, and if you get Hal, he does appreciate a post-tour hug.