Garden Tour 2023

We’ve peered around gates and peeked into backyards to discover distinct gardens all worthy of your visit so that you can be inspired and increase your knowledge of gardening on the Pacific Northwest Coast. You will see both floral and vegetable beds and sustainable gardening techniques in practice. You will also be able to gain more gardening tips by using the QR code set up at a couple of locations.   

This year on the Tour you will see a cutting garden, a colourful, shade-filled woodland garden, a floriferous sunny garden, an Asian-influenced garden appealing to the senses, a modern cottage garden, a forester’s garden, a mature estate garden, three artists’ gardens and a tranquil, low-maintenance meditative garden. You will also get a chance to visit a public garden with specially arranged guided tours.  Altogether, there are 10 private gardens and one public garden. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do people view the gardens?  By car or bicycle in any order you wish. Ladner market is in full swing so be prepared for congestion in central Ladner. 

The Tour is self-guided and the ticket includes two maps of where the gardens are located in both Ladner and Tsawwassen in South Delta. People will generally drive to each location but you can also bicycle there, if you are a good cyclist.

Are there any special features on the Garden Tour this year? 

Yes! In addition to 10 private and distinct gardens that you otherwise would not be able to see, we have a public garden providing specially arranged guided tours. There will be different types of guided tours, each of them about 20-minutes long. See your ticket for tour types and times. 

In addition, it is worth noting that three of the private gardens are owned or co-owned by artists (and you will be able to get a peek at their creative works.)

Is there a special theme to this year’s Garden Tour? 

How to incorporate both floral and vegetable beds in large and smaller spaces. There are interesting examples of using vertical space for small-space gardening and there are several sustainable gardening ideas in the choice of plants, watering systems, and gardening techniques on display. 

What happens to the money raised through ticket sales?

Funds from the sale of Tour tickets will be directed to 

1) expenses related to Tour organization, 

2) the purchase of plants and garden supplies for the Delta Hospital Healing Garden, the Mountain View Manor Therapeutic Garden, and the Delta Secondary School Memorial Garden, all three of which are tended year-round by Club volunteers, 

3) South Delta Garden Club educational programs and scholarship fund, and finally 

4) operational Club costs. 

Are there any restrictions I need to know about?

Yes. Uneven ground means the gardens are not accessible to wheelchairs, strollers or people with mobility issues. The gardens are restricted to children at least 12 years old, and no pets are allowed.  

Please do not pick any plants, eat any edibles or take any cuttings from the gardens. We respect the property and owners. 

How Do I Plan My Tour? 

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring a bagged lunch and enjoy it at a picnic table at the public garden (where you will be offered lavender tea!) or take advantage of restaurants near the gardens; a list of local restaurants near the gardens is available at each garden tour site. Public washrooms near the gardens are also indicated on your ticket.  

How much do tickets cost? 

Tickets are $30. If any tickets remain on Tour Day, they can be purchased for $40 at one location only, Harris Nurseryland. Cash only please. 

Where and when can I buy a ticket? 

Starting May 10th, tickets may be purchased in advance of Tour Day at one of these six nurseries and retailers: Harris Nurseryland, Phoenix Perennials, Sunnyside Nurseries, Vandula Farms Market & Nursery, West Coast Gardens, West Coast Seeds. Tickets will also be sold on Tour Day (if there are any left), at Harris Nurseryland. Cash only please. 

Any other info? There will be a few draws for a chance to win wonderful prizes. 

Yes!  Raffle tickets are $2 cash each and can be purchased on site. A Raffle winner will be selected from each Raffle box at 4:00 p.m. Participants in the Raffle do not need to be present to win. Prizes are as awarded.