The Niles Historical Society will be opening the gardens on the museum grounds for tours during its scheduled open house to be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ward-Thomas Museum, 503 Brown St.
According to museum curator Audrey John, each garden is surrounded by natural stones, placed on edge and the pathways throughout are covered with washed river gravel. There are both annual and perennial flowers planted, which can change the view of the landscape throughout the growing season.
Plants in the gardens are labeled for easy identification, and the recently renovated greenhouse also will be open.
Article Photos
Special to The Niles Times / Audrey John
The gardens on the grounds of the Ward-Thomas Museum, 503 Brown St. in Niles, will be open to the public on Sunday.
The greenhouse was renovated in 2005 thanks to generous donations, John said.
During the spring season, tomato seedlings were planted and sold as a fundraiser for the historical society. In addition to the tomatoes, flower seeds were started in the greenhouse to be planted in the museum gardens. All of the museum geranium plants are wintered over in the greenhouse as well, John said.
Self-guided tours of the museum and grounds will begin at 2 p.m.
The 14-room house is open for viewing. Thousands of items of the era are displayed as well as the only collection of life-size gowns worn by the country's First Ladies also will be displayed. In addition, the Westenfield room also will be open where visitors can view various war memorabilia.
The suggested donation for admission to the museum and grounds is $5 per person and free for children 11 and younger. Parking is free.
For more information, call 330-544-2143.