Garden Tours Happening Today

These tours of private gardens are sure to give you ideas and inspiration

Steve Whysall, Vancouver Sun

Published: Friday, June 15, 2007

If you haven't done one yet, how about going on a private garden tour this weekend or next? June is the perfect month to visit gardens when roses and clematis and many of the best perennials are in full flower.

It can be fun to see how other gardeners do things. And you can pick up a lot of practical ideas for your own garden.

What I like most about private garden tours is that they allow me to see how the same plant performs differently in different locations.

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Liam plays on the swing while parents Ian McSorley and Kelly Brooks and sister Hannah (right) enjoy the rest of the garden, part of the Eastside Garden Tour.

Ward Perrin, Vancouver Sun

Sometimes a tree is grown as a shrub, sometimes a shrub is grown as a tree. Some plants that we are told only thrive in the shade can be found to be flourishing perfectly in full sun.

Others that you'd think would only flower in bright sun can be found blooming their heads off in dappled shade. It's a lesson in the quirkiness and diversity of horticulture.

Visiting other people's gardens is a great way to get a better understanding of how plants can be used in different locations.

And it is also amazing to see how clever and creative gardeners have been in their use of containers, growing all sorts of perennials and shrubs in combination with flowering bulbs and tender annuals: phormiums with spirea, columbines with pineapple lilies, hostas and hydrangeas.

Ten private gardens will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the annual Eastside Garden Tour.

These gardens are all located within walking distance of Commercial Drive, making strolling or riding a bike viable options for getting around.

Tickets are $10 from Figaro's Garden store, 1896 Victoria Drive (604-253-1696). Proceeds from the tour go to support the "greening of public spaces."

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