Garden Tour Erie Seeks to Pollinate Interest

Sunday, July 23

Something magical happens in Erie when summer finally makes its long-awaited appearance; suddenly, everything out-of-doors is fresher and sweeter. Just ask Chris DeCrease, president of the Bay City Gardeners, the host group for Garden Tour Erie 2017.

As president, DeCrease oversees what must be the Bay City Gardeners' premiere summertime event, a four-hour "tour-as-you-will" afternoon where primarily private gardens — those attached to the homes of gardeners around the city — are graciously opened to the public.

Says DeCrease, "The purpose of Garden Tour Erie is to create a sense of community and highlight the positive things about Erie around our shared passion of gardening."

Guests are invited, starting at 12:45 p.m. on the day of the event, to purchase the map guide for five dollars from either the JMC Ice Arena or the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF) Education Center. The hope is that, through touring the varying sites, which range in location from private residences in the Frontier neighborhood to the SafeNet Big Backyard at the 200 block of East 9th, "there will be an exchange of information, and forging of relationships, swapping gardening info and maybe even plants."

Many of the gardens featured in the Garden Tour are the property of members of the Bay City Gardeners group or have been recruited by them, while others have noted the group's activity on Facebook and volunteered their colorful space. DeCrease emphasizes the inclusivity of the tour, noting that this year, there are 30 gardens featured on the guide, with some hosts offering refreshments and even musical interludes.

Whether your green thumb game is strong or you can't keep a cactus alive to save your life, all those who appreciate the beauty and importance of gardening are invited to attend this yearly tour. — Cara Suppa

1 to 5 p.m. // 423 W. 38th St.; 1501 W. Sixth St. // $5 for maps, locations throughout Erie // www.facebook.com/BayCityGardeners