Members of the Macomb Beautiful Association (MBA) are so excited to welcome all to their Summer Garden Tour that is coming right up on Sunday April 28 from 10am-2pm on Heritage Days Weekend.
We are very thankful to the 6 homeowners and 4 local organizations for opening up their beautiful gardens and hosting visitors, along with MBA members.
More information about the gardens follows in this article.
MBA organizes this event every few years as a fundraiser for their efforts in planting and maintaining many gardens around Macomb as well as hosting events and other beautification activities throughout the year.
Tickets are $10; there’s no cost for children under 12. They can be purchased and picked up until June 26 at the Macomb Chamber of Commerce, 214 N. Layfayette, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. and at the Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Layfayette, Tues. –Fri. between 10am-2pm Tues.-Fri and Sat. from 9am-1pm.
On the day of the event, tickets can be purchased at the Carper Train Station between 10am and 1:30pm and at any garden on the tour. Gardens will have signs in their yards a few weeks before the event. As most gardens are privately owned not all will be fully accessible to individuals with mobility or other special needs.
Morning Rotary Pollinator Garden – S. Randoph St. – Across from the Post Office The Centennial Morning Rotary Club planted the pollinator garden across from the Macomb Post Office in 2024. We received a grant from Rotary District 6460 to help educate the public about native plant species that can be planted in a home landscape to assist the pollinator insects. We also received some financial assistance from the McDonough County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Macomb Beautiful Association (MBA). We worked with the Macomb Park District to find a suitable site in a high visibility area. The City of Macomb has provided wood chips for mulching.
A large variety of pollinator plant species have been planted over the last 3 years.
Plants were purchased from the IL DNR Mason State Nursery and the SWCD’s pollinator plant sale. Survival has been very good - which is surprising since this site was once a car dealership and a movie theatre (and other businesses!) and the soil is not very good!!
We have had challenges in getting this established. After we planted in 2024, we had very little rain.
The Club had to water the new seedlings weekly for most of the summer to keep them alive. These native plants are made to survive extreme droughts with a very deep root system.
Thankfully, they did establish themselves with a little TLC and we didn’t do much watering in 2025. A lot of weeding has to be done due to a large seed bank of undesirable plants in the soil.
We have a dedicated group of Rotarians who routinely help maintain this garden. In the beginning, we were not sure how well this would be accepted since it is meant to look more “wild” than cultivated. But every time we are working out there, at least one person stops to thank us for establishing this garden and tells us how much they love finding a different plant blooming every week! Just knowing how many people enjoy this garden has made all the work worth it!!
Patton Park Meditation Garden – Corner of S. Ward St. and W. Grant St.
This garden is tucked away in the quiet northwestern area of Patton Park, providing a peaceful and serene setting for thoughtful meditation and relaxation.
Four paved pathways are lined by Going Bananas Daylilies, Cat’s Pajamas Cat Mint, Carl Stonecrop, Hummelo Betony and Millenium Ornamental Onion annuals and perennials, and are full of beautiful flowers throughout the spring, summer and fall in a beautiful rainbow of color.
The pathways lead to park benches enclosed by Limelight Hydrangeas, Little Lime Hydrangeas, Ann Magnolia, Tiger Eye Sumac and Arrowwood Viburnum.
To complete the peaceful setting, the Garden is surrounded by Northwind Switchgrass and Prairie Dropseed Grass, both Ornamental Grasses. The grasses add height and will change from green in the summer to beautiful tans and rust color in the fall.
Diana and David Pumo Gardens 700 Memorial Drive The Pumo property is sited on a corner lot with gardens and plantings facing East Franklin Street and Memorial Drive. The home’s colonial style front facade is complemented with boxwood, PJM rhododendrons, Little Princess spirea, and Raspberry Spear crab apple trees. Flanking the front walkway are two pollinator gardens. A corner fence is highlighted by a Redbud tree, perennials and annuals. The walkways, patio and retaining wall were replaced during 2024 - 2025 by Elsner’s Landscape and Nursery. The original bricks were repurposed as edging for the new walkways. Holly, hosta, Japanese painted ferns, azalea, dwarf fothergilla, Little Princess spirea, and pots of red begonias brighten the covered porch entrance of the home.
A 75-year-old magnolia tree and a red oak tree anchor the driveway gardens. A mixture of sun, shade, and very dry growing conditions presented challenges. In October 2025 the gardens were partially replanted with boxwood and a Jetstream hydrangea. Native perennials and a large boulder welcomes pollinators and requires minimal watering. Existing Annabelle hydrangeas and shade tolerant perennials are hardy under the shade canopy of the magnolia tree.
Following the walkway to the south yard you will notice the close proximity to the neighbor’s home with complementary perennial beds of Karl Forester grass, hosta, day lilies, lungwort and Jack Frost Brunnera . A custom trellis was built by Dave Pumo to afford privacy, and plants, for each neighbor to enjoy. A butterfly garden was created on one side of the trellis and Hot Shot Azaleas and a Butterfly Japanese Maple on the other. Entering the private south yard you are greeted by a Japanese inspired garden with a Queen Crimson Japanese maple, Hakone grass, autumn ferns, and hostas. Along the deck are perennials that attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
A garden filled with hosta, perennials, ground cover, and hydrangeas surround the large silver maple and screened porch.
Dale Sobotka and Lisa Morrow Garden 635 Memorial Drive Dale Sobatka and Lisa Morrow purchased their house in 2014 when they moved from Pittsburgh to Macomb. The front yard trees are Red Oak, Magnolia and White Bud. A very old Rhododendron at the north edge blooms fuchsia red in the spring. The front garden bed is a mix of perennials and annuals. Many of the perennials were in the garden bed when they purchased the house (Daffodils, Tulips, Tiger Lillies, Spirea, Lillies of the Valley, Iris, Lambs Ear). They added into the mix Azaleas, Butterfly Bush, Roses, a yellow tree Peony, Day Lillies, Clematis Vine and Cone Flowers.
They also searched for miniature Ginkgo Bushes, which were finally found at Hornbaker Gardens. Annuals are added every spring and vary from year to year (Lantana, Zinnias, Marigolds, Petunias, Snapdragons, Cosmos). Their preferred ground cover around the plants is cocoa mulch. It is difficult to find in the area, so when Lisa and Dale visit Pittsburgh they bring back 6-8 bags of Hershey Cocoa Mulch. The front bed also has a few garden statuaries. Copper solar lights in the front bed and copper flowers in the planters were handmade and purchased in Tubac, Arizona. Don Mathis and Charles Combite built the corner fence in the back yard to allow for a trellis type design. Fencing between the posts are Pig Panels and the posts were covered with aluminum window sheets to match the house. Lisa and Dale chose porcelain vine - which trails over the entire fence (white flowers bloom in the spring). In front of the fence are 2 buckeye bushes (a gift from Rick Fox). The two other planted areas in the back have brick edging and perennial plantings. Close to the house are Hosta, Rhododendron, Japanese Maple, Lilyturf and Solomon Seal.
The driveway side perennials are Spirea and Barberry.
Lorrie Chaplin – 628 Memorial Dr.
This property, purchased in 1985 by Bob and Lorrie, includes three spacious lots.
At the time of purchase, it had many mature trees, shrubs, and perennials.
However, overtime disease, tornados, and other various problems lead to the demise of many of these trees and shrubs. A significant amount of time was spent designing, planting, and revitalizing the landscape of this property. This property has been selected for the Macomb Beautiful award in both 2009 and 2021.
There is a variety of new and older trees on the property. Heirloom Lilac bushes can be found in several areas. A variety of bushes, grasses, and perennials create a visual interest throughout the seasons.
In addition to these items, natural stone elements have been built into the design to blend with the architectural features of the home. A patio in the back of the house has a sweeping border of pollinator friendly plants, shrubs, flowers, and shade trees that was designed and built by Hart’s Nursery in 2024 and 2025. In the far back lot is a perennial garden that includes a variety of grasses and flowers, including a mass of coneflowers with a flagstone border.
Kelley Jones – 623 Memorial Dr.
When Kelley Jones moved into her home at 623 Memorial Drive in 2015, the previous owners had already created a garden landscape in the front yard. The garden landscape featured a Dwarf Pagoda Dogwood tree surrounded by Coneflowers, Blackeyed Susans, Columbine and Fountain grasses. As time passed, she added numerous hostas, to take advantage of the shade from a large Oak tree. Barberry shrubs in three colors were added, along with yellow Day Lilies, Tiger Lilies, and Coral Bells. Feather Reed and Maiden grasses were later introduced, along with pink Sedum for fall interest.
In the last five years, many Arborvitaes and a few Boxwoods have been planted in assorted shapes and colors to provide interest in all four seasons.
The backyard features a small patio and walkway made of landscape pavers.
Adjacent to the patio there are Ornamental grasses, assorted perennials, and a Serviceberry tree. This property was selected for the Macomb Beautiful award in 2025.
Dr. David Miller and Dr.
Mary Kathleen Lockard – 805 Compton Parkway David and Mary Kathleen purchased this property in early 2016. In 2019, they collaborated with Baxter Gardens of Chesterfield, Illinois to design and plant the entire property.
Throughout the property, visitors will find a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers chosen for texture, seasonal interest, and long bloom periods.
Many different trees are located on this property.
These trees include a large mature oak, dogwood, crabapple, smoke, magnolia, and Japanese maple. Dozens of hydrangeas are planted throughout the gardens, forming a major design element and providing structure and abundant bloom from early summer through fall. Other plantings include hosta, cat mint, salvia, rudbeckia, holly, Shasta daisies, Russian sage, veronica, allium, rhododendron, penstemon, irises, fountain grasses, lavender, variegated liriope, dwarf mountain laurel, blackberries, sedum, peonies, lilies, coneflowers, vinca, chocolate chip ajuga, boxwood, golden cypress, hibiscus, crape myrtle, creeping Jenny, and creeping thyme.
Roger Carmack Garden – 927 East Piper St.
A few years ago, Roger Carmack moved from a downtown iconic Tudor brick home with a large formal lawn and gardens to a mid-century ranch home. He didn’t leave all the garden’s allure and attributes behind. His new home showcases a landscape featuring his love of history and charm of the past.
Highlighted in the large, manicured lawn are four white columns from a torn down building at WIU. The Four-Season iron statues in front of the columns are from an estate in Chicago.
The fence in the front of his home is from the “Poor House” which was located 3 ½ miles south of Monmouth. That home was built in the 1800’s and demolished in 1970. His uncle purchased the fencing and Roger inherited it from him.
The patio furniture is from the 1940’s and deck furniture is from the 193040’s in original colors. Many of the cast iron urns are from the mid-1800’s. Watch out for Macomb’s large attack cat!!!! Many more surprises await you….
Wesley Village Walking Path/Life Stages Garden – 1200 E Grant St.
The Wesley Village Walking Path and Life Stages Garden project originated in 2007 from the “Love Can Build a Bridge” theme. However, during Covid restrictions in 2020 Wesley Village was scheduling outdoor walk times for residents, which quickly became popular as people were eager to get outside their apartments. In the Summer of 2020 creation of a space for leisurely walks to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors began with meetings including Shelly Martin, CEO, a few families and Boehm’s Garden Center who designed the path. With the help of Laverdiere Construction in Macomb and generous donations we were able to get the sidewalks poured in the Fall of 2020.
Since then, there has been a variety of trees planted and the addition of 16 benches along the path so that walkers can stop along the way and rest.
In October 2021, fifteen families sponsored benches in Memory or Honor of a loved one and Wesley Village added landscape beds, a gazebo, and parking bollards along Candy Lane and Grant Street to protect walkers on the path. That same fall, Barbara and Terry Collins added beautiful potted plants at each bench location and continued to care for them throughout the season. Wesley Campus residents and community members love the Walking Path, and it is a great place for members of our community to get outside, exercise, and enjoy our campus The Giving Gardens Public Access Garden at Lincoln School – 315 N. Bonham St.
The Lincoln School Garden is one of thirteen of what we call our public access gardens. These are special neighborhood locations where everyone is invited to harvest vegetables, herbs, berries and cut flowers. We offer unique and culturally inclusive varieties not found in stores. Our visitors find not only delicious food, but also a newfound appreciation of nature and community. We rely heavily on volunteers in our public access gardens and welcome interested community members regardless of age and level of experience.
Beyond growing food, The Giving Gardens educate the next generation of gardeners and partner with local organizations to further serve the community. We donate produce to the local food pantry to expand access to quality food. We also offer workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and community events to restore lost gardening knowledge and empower people to grow their own food.
But it’s not just about food, it’s about people. As daily life becomes more digital, opportunities for real, face-to-face connections are disappearing. Our gardens bring people together, creating a space where neighbors can meet, learn, and build relationships while growing food side by side.
More about MBA:
MBA is a non-profit 501(c) (3) federally tax exempt corporation established in 1972. Some of our current members helped to get the organization up and running. It was formed by civicminded residents for the sole purpose of improving the beauty and livability of Macomb.
For over 50 years members have planted thousands of flowers and dozens of trees and tended to their care. The beautiful flower boxes and gardens at the Carper Train Station, in Chandler Park, by the Library, Post Office, Courthouse, Glenwood Park and soon at the Thorp Memorial Park, are a few of their projects. They organize a spring and fall clean up downtown cleanup, provide the lighted Holiday trees in Chandler Park, and annually award residents and organizations for their own beautification efforts.
This year MBA provided funding for lighting and bunting in the downtown alleyways and red white and blue themed planters throughout the downtown in honor of the bicentennial of McDonough County and Sesquicentennial of the USA. Their “Tree Project” was started to encourage residents to plant trees in their front yards. A Macomb citizen can receive 50% of the cost of a tree up to a maximum of $100.
The Pollinator Pocket Garden Project was established to encourage homeowners to establish native plant gardens as they are sources of food for insects and other pollinators. The goal is to establish a pollinator corridor through neighborhoods for them to feed on plants they need. MBA will reimburse residents half the cost of plants for a 24 sq ft. pollinator garden, up to $50. For more information about these programs and MBA you can find that on their website: MacombBeautiful. com and on Facebook at MacombBeautiful.
MBA holds seven luncheon meetings from March-June and Sept-November on the third Thursday of the month at The Old Dairy Restaurant, 210 S. Layfayette. Members and guests order their lunch then join the group for a speaker at noon and business meeting afterwards. New members/volunteers are welcome! If you’d like to work on a project, attend meetings, or provide financial support, please join us.
And, by attending the 2026 Garden tour you will be supporting our efforts to build a more beautiful Macomb every year. Will see you in the gardens, Sunday, April 28th!
