Whidbey Island Garden Tour highlights five homes

Tickets still available for Saturday event

The Whidbey Island Garden Tour still has tickets available for its Saturday tour of five home gardens located in Langley, Freeland and Coupeville.

“It’s been a few years since we sold out,” said publicity coordinator Mark Dancer. “We have 1,000 tickets to sell total and many have been bought in advance. We will probably still have some available at the houses the day of the tour.”

Tickets are $25 for adults (including seniors) and $15 for children ages 2 to 12.

Tickets are reduced $5 if ordered in advance.

For the location of the tour houses and more information, go to www.wigt.org

This is the 23rd year the all-volunteer organization is showcasing private home gardens around Central and South Whidbey.

“It’s for one day only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Dancer said. “People are coming from Canada, Seattle and other places, and some people come every year.”

The homes are selected by the 13-member tour board and the organization is assisted by about 100 volunteers.

“It’s a challenge,” Dancer said. “You could have beautiful flowers, but there could be a high bank or there’s no parking and you have to have the homeowner open up their home.

“We’re already looking for next year’s homes.”

Tickets can be purchased online or at Bayview Farm and Garden, Venture Out Nursery, Flowers by the Bay, Rain Shadow Nursery and Lavender Wind Garden.