Gig Harbor Garden Tour: A celebration supporting literacy Who doesn't like to go into a beautiful garden on a warm sunny afternoon and read? How often do some people forget that some people struggle with reading and some are in the process of learning English. Thus, to help those in our community, the Gig Harbor Garden Tour was created over a quarter century ago. "We began with this idea to increase literacy." said Jan Reeder, Board President. "All of the founders had a passion for gardening and we thought showcasing local gardens would be a way to raise money. This year, seven gardens, two on Fox Island, two in Canterwood, and the remaining in the greater Gig Harbor area, are to be showcased the last weekend of June. Gardens are selected by a committee who look for unique designs, a wide range of size, formal and informal, and those which can be an inspiration to others. This year's gardens belong to: Lu and Randy Kelly, Alayna and Gary Davis, Patti Brown, Dannie and Craig McLaughlin, Pat Riley, Jodi Maenhout, Dawn and Lars Holmberg. Visitors will find a wide variety of attractions in the gardens ranging from water features, to northwest shade and forest natural areas, to English perennial planting beds, to landscapes that capture stunning views of Colvos Passage and Mount Rainier. Peggy Judd's painting "Sunshine Poppies", was selected through a jury process to publicize the event. Her work appears on the posters and ticket/brochure. "I have a deep passion for capturing beautify and wonder of the natural world." she states. Thus, her work of bright poppies appropriately highlights summer's joy. Last year, the garden tour raised over $24,000, all of which was distributed to four community groups and four elementary schools to support their literacy efforts. Gig Harbor Garden Tour dates and times are Saturday June 28, 10:00 - 5:00 and Sunday June 29 11:00 - 3:00. Tickets are $25 and $20 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online beginning Memorial Day weekend. Local ticket outlets are: Gig Harbor Ace Hardware, The Garden Room, Rosedale Nursery, Wilco Farm Store, Wild Birds Unlimited, Sunnycrest Nursery, Garden Sphere Nursery, and Willow Tree Gardens and Nursery. Gardeners interested in having their gardens considered for future tours or those who wish to volunteer for the tour should email webmaster@gigharborgardentour.org
