Magnolia Tree on trail – One of the many varieties of Magnolia trees located at Brincka-Cross Home & Gardens County Park in Furnessville. The park also features 25 varieties of forsythia, fringe trees, and dogwoods. Visitors will soon be able to visit the hosta garden that will feature up to 400 different hosta plants. (Photo by Jeff Schultz)

Even with the days getting longer and the trees in bloom, if you cannot seem to get your fill of spring, the Porter County Parks and Recreation Department is inviting Porter County residents to feast their eyes on the wide variety of exotic plant life featured at Brincka-Cross Gardens in Furnessville.

The park is now in its third week of opening the 3.9-acres garden sections of the property to the public. Brincka-Cross Supervisor Paula Ramos said she’s seen an average of more than 20 people daily at the park since the official opening on April 1.

Even a few doses of bad weather last week did not slow down the pace of visitors, Ramos said, and park officials are expecting strong numbers as the spring season progresses. Visitors can expect to see daffodils, mayapples, cornflowers, 40 different varieties of grasses, numerous varieties of magnolia trees which have now started to bloom, 25 varieties of forsythia, fringe trees, and dogwoods.

Birdwatchers can also discover a treasury of exotic bird species including five types of hummingbirds and a pileated woodpecker, which often can be heard very loudly at times, although it is usually frightened off when approached.

“He usually flies away whenever he hears my voice,” said Ramos.

One of the best sights right now is the 10,000 daffodils blooming in the nearby woods along a hill arch that can be viewed from the gardens. In the approaching months, visitors will be able to count up to 400 varieties of hostas on the property that once belonged to William Brincka with longtime friend Basil Cross.

“Bill was a professor at the Art Institute in Chicago and he later practiced his sculpting with landscapes,” said Ramos. “The garden is his work of art.”

Ramos said Brincka and Cross intended for the property to be enjoyed by the public when they passed away. The house itself, which was built in the 1960s and inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, is not open to the public presently. The property will continue to open up gradually starting with the front wooded areas, Ramos said.

Also to be opened later are the tea house located near the hosta garden and the horse barn.

The house does contain a greenhouse full of day lilies, begonias, hibiscus, geraniums, and a koi pond. “I’m planning to call this the winter garden room,” said Ramos. Once opened, visitors will be able to see molas designed by Brincka inside the house and gorgeous views of the garden area from Cross’ upstairs bedroom.

The parks department purchased the 25-acre property for nearly $500,000 in 2007. A master plan for the property has been in discussion that could enhance the property in building more research centers, public restrooms, more parking space, and additional teahouses and rest areas.

In the master planning, consulted by Lehman & Lehman architects, it is intended to open the park as an educational entity due to its historical features. Ramos said she is planning to have local schools visit the property.

Ramos said garden tours will be given by appointment only, the reason being the park has a very limited amount of staff. A “buckslip” detailing the species of plants in the gardens and a map will be handed out during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and a sack lunch.

The parks department asks that tour groups be limited to the size of no more than 10 people to lessen the impact on the grounds. Parking is also limited.

The tours will be guided and are offered free of charge to Porter County residents with a valid ID. A nominal fee will be charged for out of county residents.

Those wanting to request a tour or for more information are asked to call the parks department at (219)465-3586.

The parks department is also looking for volunteer staffers to assist in guiding visitors through the tours.

Brincka-Cross House and Gardens is located just south of U.S. 20 on 427 E. Furness Rd. near where CR 425E intersects. Ramos mentioned Cross’ bedroom is exactly two miles from Lake Michigan.

The park gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week through Oct. 31.

Posted 4/12/2010