BIGLER-The Walker Gardens in Bigler will offer a special opportunity for the public to stroll through thousands of spring flowers on May 4, May 10 and May 11 in memory of Louise Walker, wife of Ray S. Walker.
The couple for many years opened the gardens during spring and fall with proceeds benefiting the Bigler Area Charities. Louise Walker died in November of 2006. During this memorial opening all proceeds from the garden tours will again go to the Bigler Area Charities including the Bigler YMCA, a branch of the Clearfield YMCA since 1988.
The 10 acres of private gardens will feature tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and narcissus. In honor of this special display, over 20,000 new bulbs have been planted around the waterfalls, statues, and ponds. Tulips off all colors dominate the landscape.
The gardens also feature an old English garden and many historic attractions among the massive array of blooms. Included in these attractions is a reconstructed log cabin from the Civil War era. Parading peacocks add to the beauty.
The public will be welcome to visit the gardens from noon to 5 p.m., each of three special days.
Visitors each day will see artist Peter Winklbauer of St. Mary’s creating paintings of the flowers. Providing musical entertainment on May 4 will be students from the Clearfield Area High School show choir. They will perform their “Rockin America” show.
Cooks from the Bigler United Methodist Charge will offer refreshments. This charge includes churches in Bigler, Shiloh and Dale. The charge is a member of Bigler Area Charities. Other members include Boy Scout Troop 20, Cub Scout Pack 20 and Girl Scout Troops in Bigler.
Admission to the gardens is $3 for those 18 years of age and older; $2 for those 12 to 18 years of age and $1 for those 11 and under.
Free parking is available adjacent to the gardens. Bigler Boy Scout Troop members will assist with parking and the BJW Fire Police will assist with traffic flow.
The rain date is May 18.
To reach the Walker Gardens travel seven miles west from Philipsburg on Route 322 or eight miles east from Clearfield to the Bigler traffic light and intersection. Signs will provide directions from the intersection.