By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Area residents and visitors have an opportunity to see the abundance of beauty in the flowers, landscaping, porches, pools and patios in the Geneseo area.

The Lightkeepers ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo is sponsoring

an event, on Saturday, July 15, that showcases the grounds five local properties in addition to hosting a noon luncheon.

Tickets, at $20 each, are available in advance at www.porchespoolsandpatios.com or at

the office of First Methodist Church, 302 North State St. Tickets, at $25 each, also will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the event at the church.

Guests will be asked to present their tickets when they arrive for the salad luncheon

featuring homemade salads and breads at the church. Serving will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Barb Nelson, coordinator of the Lightkeepers ministry, shared, “Our community is filled with flowers, landscaping, pools and beauty that we all enjoy during the warmth of summer. Our yearly event offers an opportunity for those who attend to stroll at their leisure through five remarkable properties, and enjoy a wonderful noon meal. We hope you’ll gather your friends for a relaxing day of touring.”

Nelson added, “This is your chance to see some fabulous landscaping in Geneseo and

within the near countryside.” Maps are provided to explore each location at your leisure.”

In addition to Nelson, other members of the event committee are Darcy Schnowske, chairman of the luncheon; Nancy DeFauw, location volunteer coordinator; Jackie Skiles, tickets; and Kim Gehling, website chairman.

THE LOCATIONS ON THE TOUR:

-John Arnold & Laura Goetz-Arnold – At this location, visitors will experience a calming and serene backyard oasis surrounded by more than 100 neatly labeled hostas, among various other well-loved perennials. The beautiful home was built in 1979 and it’s evident that master gardening and many hours of labor have gone into these surroundings ever since. The rear yard also features a dry pond and attractive and perfectly landscaped storage house. Throughout the stop visitors will enjoy fountains, birdhouses and sculptures, each strategically placed to enhance the overall effect.

-John & Carla Edwards - When visiting the spacious country home of the couple, visitors will view country living at its finest. The in-ground pool is flanked with comfortable seating, luscious ceramic pots and a divine outdoor kitchen and eating area. Buffalo graze nearby in wooded areas creating a serene backdrop. Guests will enjoy exquisite landscaping throughout the charming and secluded property.

-Tim & Katie Irwin – This exceptional home is located on the 16th hole of Sugar Maple Golf Course. Tim and Katie are a busy young working couple that enjoy decorating and entertaining. At this home, visitors will see precision landscaping, and a front porch and back deck adorned with country- themed container gardening. Most of the florals are blooming annuals offering a colorful and inviting atmosphere. The home is at the end of the cul-de-sac of an entire street of beauty.

-Lona Pribble – The home, located across from the City Pool, is a well-hidden gem in the Geneseo community. Pribble has used her vast knowledge of trees and flowers to create a botanical dream right behind her own house. The pathway leading into the picturesque scene is a work of art created with 8,000 bricks by Lona’s late husband. Their love of Conifer is evident, and the plantings create a backdrop to a playhouse, fair gardens, ponds with fish and an exceptional seating area within a pavilion. The entire garden is accented with an enormous center island of giant hostas anchored by gigantic oak trees. Guests will never guess the world that waits behind this garden gate.

-Tom and Jane Reese – The Reese home sits atop one of the highest points on Wolf Road, and offers a breathtaking view. The giant oak trees that dot the property attest to the age and beauty of the location. The stunning Reese home is tastefully surrounded by years of perfecting landscaping trees and adding abundant colorful perennials and annuals. East of the home, the Reese’s enjoy a pond with sandy beach and cabana house. On the back of the property visitors will see a large fire pit surrounded by a large seating area and many levels of stairs and walls with grasses and perennials.