08/04/2026
Vermillion Garden Walks
Saturday, August 8th, 2026
10:00 am to 1:00 pm (Central Time)
Vermillion, SD
Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour
We are excited to offer garden walks in Vermillion this year. The properties are located near each other to allow you to visit all three yards during your visit.
Anna Kantenbach’s Garden
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Central Time)
513 Thomas Street, Vermillion, SD 57069 When we moved to SD in 2020, I happened to see a little metallic green bee while out on a walk along the river. That bee sparked my curiosity and led me to native plants to support native bees of all kinds. The side garden began when we had to remove a large maple tree and the mulch provided a perfect way to prepare the area for something other than grass and w**ds. The next year, I expanded the garden across the driveway, making a border that would add color and interest but keep some lawn space for kids. This year, the front border was extended even more.
Host: Anna Kantenbach
Tom and Sandi King’s Gardens
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Central Time)
109 S. Yale St., Vermillion, SD 57069
We have lived at this address for over 35 years, when what started out as a rental became our permanent home. The house was originally built in 1867 below the bluff near the former channel of the Missouri River and was moved to its present location following the 1881 flood. I have always envisioned it as our “little house on the prairie” so that style of garden is a perfect fit. One of my influences was my grandmother’s Harvey Dunn print The Prairie is My Garden.
Out front to the north, you will see a mix of newly planted native species (with labels!) nestled in a deep bed of wood chips alongside canna lilies, vintage peonies, iris, hydrangeas, and a few daylilies. To the south is a recently reorganized bed with grandma’s bleeding heart, sedum, peony and vinca vine as well as groupings of potted plants. This area will contain more native species next season. The backyard is surrounded by a privacy fence, deck, and screened area that were mostly created with reclaimed or salvaged lumber, plus a vintage brick patio and walkway, original to the property.
The back garden hosts our veggie patch interplanted with annual flowers, and surrounding the house is an eclectic mix of perennials and native species. Potted plants are placed throughout to add color and interest. Our plantings are designed to encourage birds and pollinators to visit and stay, and they tend to look a little "wild" toward the end of the season but that's part of the plan.
Hosts: Tom and Sandi King
Clark Christensen’s Garden
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Central Time)
1140 Valley View Dr., Vermillion, SD 57069
In my smallish backyard, the native plant garden is located next to the deck and screened-in porch. It is easily visible indoors from the kitchen window. It features a variety of forbs, grasses, and shrubs, along with a bird bath and bird feeder to attract wildlife. A curved brick path leads through a prominent garden gate to a raised bed vegetable garden, a small toolshed, and a three-bin composter. My front yard has a more conventional layout, featuring a Sugar Maple, a Northern Red Oak, and a Black Hills Spruce. Host: Clark Christensen
