Improvements continue around the Park as we start to take down the overgrown/dead Norway spruce trees along Old Levee Road. We will use the wood to heat our Visitor Center complex, and will replant new trees over the next five years - ensuring Robert Allerton’s vision and this iconic drive remain beautiful for future generations. (The road should remain open except for occasional delays as we move logs and equipment.) … [Read more...] about Old Levee Road Norway Spruce Work
Allerton Garden renovation Honors UI Alum
New life will be given to Allerton’s Triangle Parterre Garden, thanks to a generous donation from Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann, in remembrance of their sibling and brother-in-law, Barry Brehm. The Garden sits just past the Visitor Center, and draws visitors down the sidewalk lined with Arborvitae to the Adam statue. Staff notes that currently the Garden is out of scale, and the intended look and feel that Robert Allerton had for the space are gone. “This is what happens to gardens, living … [Read more...] about Allerton Garden renovation Honors UI Alum
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Rathje Entrance Drive
After five months of construction, the David J. and Debra C. Rathje Allerton Mansion Grand Entrance Drive will be opened for public use on Monday, October 22 at 4:30pm. The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition and honor the Rathjes, held near the estate’s Gate House, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello. The new entrance was made possible thanks to a seven-figure gift from David and Debbie Rathje, of Decatur. The Drive creates a more prominent, accessible … [Read more...] about Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Rathje Entrance Drive
Donor-Funded Patio Continues Upgrades
Nearly six months after the opening of the Greenhouse Café at Allerton Park, improvements will begin on the Café’s outdoor patio thanks to a gift from Deborah and Michael Westjohn. Work has begun replacing the pea gravel with a concrete aggregate, and upgrades will be made to the surrounding landscape. Access to the Café will not be impacted during the renovations. The Westjohns have been long-time supporters of the Park, visiting nearly their entire lives and making donations for over a … [Read more...] about Donor-Funded Patio Continues Upgrades
Taking the Bulb Garden to the Next Phase
by Micah Putman, Park Supervisor As Park Supervisor, I have the opportunity and privilege to work in the Formal Gardens and around the developed grounds of the 1,500 acre estate that is Allerton Park. I am able to witness Park visitors exploring and immersing themselves in one of the best examples of landscape architecture in Central Illinois. I also get to work alongside many talented individuals, our dedicated volunteers, on a variety of projects. One recent project is the renovation of … [Read more...] about Taking the Bulb Garden to the Next Phase
Spring Wildflowers at Allerton
This is one of my favorite times of year. All the vegetation begins to slowly emerge from the long, cold, unsympathetic winter. But, before trees begin to leaf-out Allerton’s natural areas are provided a welcome splash of color. In spring, the woods of Allerton Park are carpeted with more than three dozen kinds of wildflowers in hues of pink, blue, white, yellow, and lavender. These plants take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the forest floor before the trees completely leaf out. … [Read more...] about Spring Wildflowers at Allerton
What’s Happening at Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Gallery Refinishing – Each November the retreat center undergoes some sort of major project, this year we refinished the floors in the main gallery. By all staff accounts this has not been done in the last 30 years, if ever. Regardless, the floors look great, the next time you are in the mansion make sure to give them a look. Events: February Bed and Brunch, just in time for Valentine’s Day…Allerton is happy to announce the first Bed and Bruch of 2013, to be held on Saturday February 16th and … [Read more...] about What’s Happening at Allerton Park and Retreat Center
