For more than 25 years, the Gig Harbor Garden Tour has welcomed botanphiles and casual visitors alike into the personal gardens of West Sound residents — all in an effort to boost community literacy.
“We began with this idea to increase literacy,” Jan Reeder, the Gig Harbor Garden Tour’s board president, said in a press release. “All of the founders had a passion for gardening, and we thought showcasing local gardens would be a way to raise money.”
Last year, the tour raised more than $35,000, which was distributed to 17 schools and community groups, according to the release.
This year, a committee selected six gardens to showcase. The gardens belong to Cindy Bartel, Leslie and Tom Watkins, Jill and Chris Denis, Beverly and Jerry Gilbert, Rebekah and Zach Blue, and Dan Shoap.
On the tour, visitors can find a wide variety of gardens that include water features; classic Northwest shade and forest areas; perennial planting beds; and views of Colvos Passage, Gig Harbor Bay, and Mount Rainier.
The tour will be open between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 27- and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 28. Tickets are $25 and $20 for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased at Gig Harbor Ace Hardware, The Garden Room, Rosedale Nursery, Tickled Pink, Wilco Farm Store, Wild Birds Unlimited, Walrath Landscaping Supplies, Sunnycrest Nursery in Lakebay, and Tacoma’s Garden Sphere Nursery.