Porches, Pools and Patios

Sponsored by The Lightkeepers

Geneseo First Methodist Church / 302 North State

The 2025 Community Tour is Ready!

Geneseo is blessed to be filled with exceptional flowers, landscaping, swimming pools and outdoor living spaces that we all enjoy during the warmth of summer. Our event, sponsored by the Lightkeepers of Geneseo First Methodist, offers an opportunity for you and your friends to stroll, at your leisure, through five remarkable properties during the 10-3 hours on July 19th. Between the hours of 11 and 2 you will be able to enjoy a uniquely large and beautiful salad and charcuterie lunch in the church Commons at 302 North State Street in Geneseo. We hope you’ll gather your flower loving/food loving/outdoor loving friends for a relaxing day together.

Tickets are available in advance on this site for $20. You will pick up your tickets and maps Saturday morning at 10:00am, at Geneseo First Methodist Church. They will also be sold on Sunday mornings in the Commons, and during the week in the church office. On the day of the event tickets can be purchased at the front door of the church for $25.

Guests will be able to visit our five locations in any order at your own pace by following the map provided. Please present your tickets as you arrive for lunch at the church.

We want the tour to be a day of Garden Party festivity. Enjoy time with your friends and accept this invitation into some very beautiful homes!

2025 TOUR IMAGES

Greg and Kim Heaton

The Heaton home, within Geneseo city limits, is in a quiet neighborhood with a peaceful and somewhat secluded back yard. Their pool, with a putting green, also features an outdoor kitchen, firepit and a very welcoming screened in porch with a fireplace. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm, a beautiful spot for friends and family to gather. The Heatons began developing this backyard project during the Covid time at home. I know they have enjoyed the comfort and beauty of what they were able to create right in their own back yard.

Jeff and Jackie Jobe

The Jobe home is perfection on all four sides. You will follow a paved walkway on the south that is lined with blooming perennials to enter the gate of the pool area. Take your time to enjoy the details of the outdoor kitchen, the conversation area around the fireplace, the pool itself and the coy/goldfish pond. The brilliant array of flowers and limestone features offer an exceptional dimension to their outdoor space.

Lona Pribble

This Geneseo home, across from the city pool, is a well known hidden gem of our community. Lona has used her vast knowledge of trees and flowers to create a botanical dream right behind her own house. The pathway leading into this picturesque scene is a work of art created with 8000 bricks by Lona’s late husband. Their love of Conifers is evident, and the plantings create a backdrop to a playhouse, fairy 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. You would never guess the world that awaits you behind this garden gate. Lona hosts many groups throughout each summer and this year was host to a busload of conifer lovers from across the nation. This haven has been Lona’s passion for more than 50 years, a true gem of our community.

Shadow Lake Wedding Venue

Shadow Lake is a new spacious and beautiful party venue off of Route 92 just east of the Antique Engine location. It graces the shores of the Rock River, with a special wedding arch and area near the water. During this second year of operation Shadow Lake has been home to graduation parties, weddings, class reunions, showers and even concerts. There is a train car located in front that serves as a unique restroom station. Shadow Lake is open from May-October. Their website is www.shadowlakevenue.com.

Tim and Kelly Yager

At this tour location you will be able to view a working farm with a real touch of class. Tim and Kelly were raised in Geneseo, and during those years this farm was where Tim’s grandparents lived. After 22 years of city life, they have followed their lifelong plan to return home. Tim continued to farm near Geneseo through those years away, and now Tim and Kelly farm side by side and raise cattle on this picturesque and very familiar site. In the last four years much love has gone into the home, the landscaping and the three level limestone featured decks in back. The scenery is breathtaking throughout each season, and I’m sure they love the peaceful gentle feeling of home as, they provide a warm atmosphere for their children and grandchildren to visit.

We thank each of these host homes who have so graciously agreed to be part of our tour this year. We believe we have some real treats in store for flower lovers, people looking for ideas and just those who love a day with friends to explore. Thank you for being a part of our very special event!

GALLERY

Please click an image to view at full size.

BUY TICKETS & CONTACT

Questions?

Contact Suzanne Rakestraw to learn more.
Phone: 309-738-7043
Email: suzannerakestraw@gmail.com