A beautiful garden is like a piece of art. People who love to garden work hard on their creations and making their gardens shine. Gardens grow (literally) and evolve over time. They take hours of planning, lots of intrepid plant shopping and back-breaking labour, but man is it worth it.
Each year the Squamish Garden Club asks local gardeners to open the gate and share their botanical creations with the community. This invitation is open to all gardeners and gardens. Big or small, perennial or edible, meticulous or wild, even works in progress are welcome.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and all good gardens come from other people's great ideas. If you would like to get your garden on the tour, deadline for applications is May 17. Check out the Squamish Gardeners website www.squamishgardeners.com for more information and applications.
The thing that I have enjoyed most over the years at various garden tours is the glimpse you get behind closed doors. You get to see what is on the other side of the fence and let me tell you, looks are deceiving.
It is great fun to pull up to a garden and wonder, "Is this it?" only to start your walk about and end up completely amazed by what you don't see at first glance.
For those who feel ready to take the plunge and let the community in to see your garden, congratulations.
First tip you need to know is that you will never be ready, so don't stress out about trying to be. A few months prior, you will probably find yourself hyper aware of what needs to be done and spruced up before guests arrive. Make a list and try to get something on the list done each week.
I have been on garden tours where the owners have posted signs identifying plants like great botanical gardens do. This can be a lofty goal. You may try making a list of notable plants or things that are in bloom that you know people will be asking about. Print several copies and have them available for your guests.
Secondly, make sure people can move comfortably in your garden. Clean up pathways of debris and make sure there is easy access to all parts of your garden
About a month before, try looking at the garden through another person's eyes. It always helps to get a fresh perspective and see the garden in new ways.
Two weeks before, you can spend a little time shopping for last-minute fillers, but don't go crazy. Your garden was chosen for a reason and it was picked just the way it is.
Enjoy. There is nothing greater than sharing your knowledge with other gardeners.
