Events

This year’s yard tour features the gardens of Rita Walsh and Jim Ridgway at their home in Manistique Township and two pollinator gardens in the city of Manistique sponsored by the Schoolcraft Conservation District.

When Rita Walsh and Jim Ridgway bought their 10-acre property in 2017 on Lake Michigan near Manistique, there were few flower plantings although a thicket of trees surrounded the house. Nine years later, and an additional 10 acres, they’re still working on adding more beneficial trees and shrubs as well as steadily increasing the number of native plants amongst cultivars and non-natives. 

Come anytime between 12 and 5. We’ll plan a somewhat formal group tour around 1 pm, but will give tours to those who show up earlier or later. Visitors are welcome to stay to enjoy the lake views with food and drink available. 

Directions to the house: The property is approximately 5 miles east of downtown Manistique at 5045W Michibay Drive. Take US 2 to Duck Inn Road then turn on to Michibay Drive. The property is .9 miles from the eastward bend in Michibay Drive. Please park in the lot just east of the house. Signs at the driveway will direct you in from the road; it’s a short level walk to the house.

The other two sites (visit on your own): Schoolcraft Conservation District’s Pollinator Garden, located on Maple Street just outside their office (100 N. Cedar Street; park in the large lot next to Manistique Middle and High School). Close by is the Emerald Elementary School pollinator garden at 628 Oak St. (Both near downtown Manistique.) For more of the story about SCD’s gardens:  https://www.schoolcraftcd.org/pollinator-gardens.html#/