My worst garden-tour nightmares don’t even compare with those of a friend, whose dog was run over by a garden visitor.
But I did once watch in utter amazement as a woman on oxygen plunked her metal pull cart down, not on the driveway, but in the adjacent flower bed, where, she said, “It won’t be in anyone’s way.”
Then there was the visitor who handed me a three-page list of design questions and told me that she realized I wouldn’t have time to answer all of them right then and there. Her address was on one of the pages so I that could answer her questions “at my convenience.”
Other visitors have criticized my plant selections with comments such as “my husband would never allow me to grow thistles. We spray those.” This was aimed at my rare Morina longifolia from the Himalayas.
Another tour guest complained that my gravel paths were dangerous – she was wearing high heels. One guest climbed my waterfall and started collecting seed from a flower growing there.
Of course, these are the exceptions. Most of the hundreds of visitors who have toured my garden over the years have been delightful. To ensure that a garden tour is a pleasant experience for both host and visitor, here are a few things to keep in mind.
These are private gardens that the owners have generously agreed to open to total strangers. Often there is an admission fee to raise money for a charitable event or organization, but the garden owner seldom receives anything beyond compliments. So, if you can’t be generous with those, be tactful. Save critiques to entertain companions on the ride home.
Always wear clothing appropriate for visiting a garden. Lean toward a hike on Mount Evans rather than a night at the opera. Remember, these are private gardens, and most are not handicapped accessible.
Every fast-food restaurant, every supermarket and every gas station has rest rooms. Unless it is an absolute emergency, do not ask. Because of liability issues, many garden tour organizers absolutely forbid attendees from going inside the owner’s home. But regardless of policy, imagine what 100 people flushing the toilet would to the host’s water bill.
While you are in the garden, stay on paths and stay out of flower beds. Don’t ask for anything, not seed, not cuttings, not rocks, not advice. Don’t pick flowers so the gardener can identify them for you. Keep questions about names of plants to a minimum. (Gardeners are so stressed by the day of the event they don’t remember their children’s names, let alone the name of that daisy.)
Most gardeners are happy to let you take photos, but as a courtesy, always ask for permission first.
All of these suggestions are just common-sense etiquette. Whatever else you do when visiting a garden, keep in mind that the greatest compliment you can give the owner is to wholeheartedly enjoy yourself. (Just don’t climb the waterfall, no matter how tempting.)
Marcia Tatroe is a garden writer and lecturer.
Plan your tour
The garden-tour season is in full swing. Here are a few to check out:
Saturday
Park Hill Garden Tour of 10 northeast Denver gardens, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets $10 at King Soopers stores, or at the Greater Park Hill Community Center.
Longmont Symphony Guild’s 30th Annual Garden Tour of five gardens, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tickets $12 at The Flower Bin, Twin Peaks Mall information booth, in Longmont.
25th Annual Junior League Terrace and Garden Tour, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Fort Collins. Tickets $15. Details at
Washington Park Garden Tour of 10 gardens around Denver’s Washington Park, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets $20 at 903. S. Corona St.
June 23-24
Pueblo Xeriscape Garden Tour of Pueblo gardens on Saturday and Pueblo West gardens on Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Maps at local garden centers. Details at or 719-948-2023.
June 24
Garden Exploration Tour of six gardens in Castle Pines/Castle Rock, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets $15 at all Front Range King Soopers stores. Details at or coloradogardenclubs.org.
June 30
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days tour of six private gardens in metro Denver, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets $5 per garden or $25 for all. Start at the Gedrose garden, 4400 E. Sixth Ave, Denver. Details at opendaysprogram.org.
