THE IDEAL GARDEN TOURIST

Tips for enjoying, learning from and surviving a local garden tour

By Veronica Sliva

EVERY GARDEN HAS a story to tell. When you open a garden gate it’s like starting a new book. You do so with anticipation, to discover and be inspired. If you find yourself feeling this way chances are you have the makings of a “garden tourist”.

It starts innocently enough. You admire the front gardens in your neighbourhood as you walk by. You cannot help sneaking a little peek into random backyards and wondering what is behind the fence. Sooner or later you sign up for a garden tour and you have become a Garden Tourist.

WHY GO ON A GARDEN TOUR?

• Curiosity! We all have a little of the voyeur in us, don’t we?

• For a wellness break. It’s good for your well-being and calming to wander the grounds of a beautiful garden on a summer’s day. Doing so with a like-minded individuals makes it even more special.

• To support a good cause. Garden tours are most often put on by organizations that raise funds for worthy causes.

• For inspiration and to get design ideas. Whether you have a lifetime of experience as a gardener or you are a novice, visiting gardens is sure to spark ideas that you can bring to your own space.

• Have you ever lusted after a plant and wondered whether or not it will do well in your garden? Seeing plants growing in a real garden rather than in a pot at the garden centre can help you to decide if you want to buy that plant. You can also learn about plants that are new to you or that you have not grown before.

• You may see your favourite plants used in new ways, in different settings and go home and look at your own garden with fresh eyes.

• Solutions for solving problems. Garden tour organizers strive to include a variety of kinds of gardens. There are many lessons to be learned. Some gardens have challenging conditions such as deep shade, small spaces, eyesores that need a disguise, steep landscapes…the list goes on. You can see solutions for a variety of situations.

• If the homeowner is in the garden, having a chat is a great way to connect and share thoughts. Most gardeners love talking about their gardens and are generous in sharing information.

Tips For Garden Tourists

Before the Tour When Purchasing

Tickets:

• Read the tour information carefully for details regarding age limits for children, tour hours and other details. For those with special needs find out in advance about accessibility (canes, walkers, wheelchairs etc.). Private gardens may not have adequate pathways for wheelchairs and strollers.

• When possible buy tickets in advance to save time (and sometimes money) and to avoid disappointment. Some tours limit the number of tickets to avoid overcrowding in the gardens.

• Find out about parking. You may need to park several blocks away.

• Do a bit of exercise to get your legs in shape before you go. Typically garden tours involve several hours of on-your-feet time with lots of walking.

Tips To Enjoy A Successful Day

• Check the forecast and dress for the weather. Garden tours go rain or shine so take a sun hat and your umbrella!

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Leave those fashionable high heels at home!

• Bring water and easy-to-carry snacks or plan a stop for snacks and/or lunch.

• Take a notepad and pen or pencil.

• If you have a cell phone download a plant identification app. For example, Plantnet https://plantnet.org/en/ and inaturalist https://inaturalist.ca/

• If provided, review the map and/or descriptions of the gardens before heading out. Prioritize your “must sees” and then plan your route.

Garden Etiquette

BE RESPECTFUL at all times. Remember you are a guest of the homeowner who has generously opened their private garden to you. Resist the urge to look in windows or “snoop” around. Most homeowners are happy for you to take photos of the garden but not the interior of their residence. There are a lot of “don’ts” in the list that follows, but mostly it is common sense. Gardeners are typically warm and friendly who love to have visitors enjoy their gardens. Greet them with the same enthusiasm and you are guaranteed a lovely visit!

• Don’t arrive before the tour begins.

• Don’t bring pets. Pets are usually not allowed. However, check to see if service dogs are acceptable.

• Don’t bring very young children unless they’re under your complete control at all times. Do not take strollers across lawns.

• Do not step in planted areas. Stay on pathways, lawns, decks or patios. You don’t want to trample any plants.

• Don’t pick flowers, pinch cuttings or take seeds. Instead, ask the owner where they purchased the plant so you can get some of your own. Sometimes a generous owner will offer you some seed or even a cutting, but don’t expect it.

• Leave the plants alone. Don’t pull what you think are weeds! What is a weed to you may not be to the homeowner. Don’t deadhead.

• Don’t remove plant labels.

• Don’t criticize the garden in front of the owner. To do so is rude. The garden may not be to your taste, but the beauty of creating a garden is making it unique. We all like different styles!

• Do say thank you and try and say something nice about the garden as you leave.

• Don’t show up right before closing time when garden hosts want to close the gate and put their feet up.

Where To Find Garden Tours

Search online for tour listings both near and far. Most tours run in early summer and fall. Here are a few places to start: Toronto Botanical Garden’s Through the Garden Gate Tour This self-guided walking tour showcases fabulous gardens in a different Toronto neighbourhood every year. This year’s tour highlights the Riverdale area (check out https:// torontobotanicalgarden.ca/event/through-thegarden-gate-riverdale/2023-06-10/ for details.

The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) is a volunteer charitable organization that encourages interest in gardening. Many of the member horticultural societies and garden clubs throughout Ontario offer annual tours. Check https://gardenontario.org/societylisting/ and https://gardenontario.org/events/ category/gardentour/ for individual club listings.