Heritage Gardens - A Rich Legacy

"One of the chief charms of Rockford is to be found in its pleasant gardens, fruitful orchards and the wealth of shrubbery which adorns the gardens of its residents. Scarcely a home can be found, however limited the extent of ground belonging to it, that cannot exhibit its thrifty fruit trees, luxuriant strawberry patches, gay flower beds and tasty groups of shrubbery: until it has been suggested that Rockford may with propriety be christened and known hereafter as the “Floral City." – Rockford City Directory and County Gazetteer, 1869

Our 19th Century Heritage Gardens

Northern Illinois has a long tradition of attractive landscapes and lush gardens. In an effort to preserve this heritage, Midway Village Museum has recreated historic gardens in the village using 19th century garden designs, structures, ornamentation and heirloom plants. Eight heritage gardens along with ten acres of restored natural areas reflect various aspects of turn-of-the-century living and provide the visitor with a unique glimpse of plant varieties seldom seen today.

Interpreters in authentic period clothing also use these plants for historic cooking demonstrations, craft projects and decorating. It is our hope that, in addition to the buildings and artifacts of the village, the gardens will help transport you to a time when flowers had a language all their own, and neighbors lingered on front porches enjoying the fragrance of sweet peas and honeysuckle.

In addition to the cultivated garden areas, Midway Village Museum is actively engaged in prairie restoration. When the first settlers arrived in Northern Illinois, 22 million acres of prairie dominated the landscape and gave Illinois its nickname, the Prairie State. Today only a fraction of the original prairie survives. An ongoing program aimed at restoring this unique biological community began in 2005. The creation of a native wetland on our museum campus earned the Superior Achievement Award from the Illinois Association of Museums in 2006.

An Overview of Your Garden Tour

As you begin your Heritage Garden tour by entering from Gate C, you will experience the gardens in the order below.

Heritage Park is accented by five picturesque gardens typical of a public park in the late 19th century. Two narrow and curved ribbon beds, two circular beds, and a gazebo surrounded by gardens are filled with Victorian-era plants, including annuals and blooming shrubs. The sub-tropical circle by the Print Shop office stands out with castor bean plants towering over ten feet tall.

The Cottage Garden adjacent to Heritage Park is an English garden design with charm that stems from its relaxed, unkempt nature and abundance of color, heights, and scents. Inside the hub of the brick walkway stands a period sundial which was a typical garden accessory.

The School Garden was a concept associated with O.J. Kern (superintendent of Winnebago County Schools in 1898) and his progressive desire that every school yard allow for the study of agriculture and botany. Historically the gardens were segregated with the Farmer Boys Experiment Club focusing on growing cash crops and Girls Home Culture Club specializing in flowers and herbal plants.

Four Square Garden: The seeds planted in the “Kitchen Garden” are Heirloom varieties typical of Turn of the Century. This Americana style is located near the house for daily access to fresh produce. Edible roots and potatoes are included in the plantings to be stored and used in winter meals.

Historic Homes: Pepper, Ralston, and Marsh houses are situated on the northeast corner of the village. These residences reflect very different garden preferences and designs, and were sometimes an indicator of economic status.

The Blue Garden is a challenge as only a few true-blue flowering perennials exist, as well as choosing which shades of yellow and white are suitable accent plants. These prized plantings, located on the north yard of Pepper House, reflect the influence of women such as Gertrude Jekyll, artist and landscape designer.

Ralston House is a brown home with accent shades and circle gardens that reflect a formal taste, and an expensive assortment of period irises in the Iris Garden. This extensive collection is recognized by the Historic Iris Preservation Society.

Situated next door, the modest Marsh House reflects old-world simplicity. This is mirrored in Grandma’s Garden, which has a repetition of plants accented by lilies, hollyhocks, and colorful dahlias for punctuation. The Cut Flower Garden is composed of plants specifically grown for harvesting fresh flowers for arrangements and bouquets.

Moonlight Garden: This border garden with a grass strip promenade is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening. Aromatic plants with white flowers and silver foliage that reflect the light of the moon are the main attraction.

The Heritage Gardens Mission

Midway Village Heritage Gardens is committed to the continuing research and development of gardens that will more accurately reflect the cultural landscape of the period 1890-1910, allow for interactive opportunities for the visitor, and enhance the grounds of the museum.

The Heritage Gardens would not exist without the help of dedicated volunteers. For those interested in helping with the gardens, please see our Volunteer area.

Katie Townsend (pictured), our Heritage Gardens Manager, brings over 35 years of expertise as a naturalist, and leads a team of 25 dedicated garden volunteers.

If you would like to donate to our Heritage Gardens, you can do so here by selecting Heritage Gardens from the drop down menu.