As buds begin to form on lilacs and tulips start to make an appearance, the 20th annual People Place Garden Tour gets ready to welcome visitors to local gardens.
This year’s tour will take place June 8, but a few more gardens are needed for the annual fundraiser that features yards of all shapes and sizes, from traditional to xeriscaped.
“Without the gardens there is no tour,” said People Place general manager Melanie O’Hara-Hutchinson, noting that gardens do not have to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. “They do not have to be perfect, just gardens that other garden enthusiasts might enjoy — we are so appreciative of the gardeners who allow us to continue what is our major fundraiser for the year.”
The self-guided tour allows people to take part at their leisure, enjoying as many or as few gardens as they like. The $20 ticket includes the description of each garden and a map to guide people on the tour. There will be volunteers at each garden, and many of the gardens will have the homeowners on site to answer questions.
Each garden will also feature acoustic live music and original pieces of art, which will be available by raffle donation.
“Whether to provide a day of relaxation, inspiration or both, this is a fun day for all,” said O’Hara-Hutchinson.
All proceeds from the tour support the People Place, which provides affordable office and program space to non-profit agencies in the North Okanagan.
“Since the tour began more than 20 years ago, this popular fundraiser has brought in more than $90,000 for the People Place, helping to keep our rents as low as possible to allow agencies to put their dollars into programming.”
Tickets for the tour will be on sale soon at local garden centres. In the meantime, both gardens and volunteers are still needed.
Volunteers can choose one of two shifts, 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. Volunteers also receive a ticket to enjoy the tour before or after their shift.
Local restaurants Rail Trail Cafe and East Hill Eatery will also offer 20 per cent off to customers who present their ticket on the day of the tour.
Anyone who can help or who knows of a garden that should be included on the tour can call 250-558-6585 or email peopleplacesociety@gmail.com.
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