Sisters to host garden and home tour

Anyone who has attempted to garden in Central Oregon is familiar with the many challenges gardeners face. Sisters' 17th annual, self-guided "Quilts in the Garden" Home and Garden Tour will showcase five gardens this year, including three homes plus the Sisters Community Garden.

Attendees will enjoy viewing the creativity and expertise of these intrepid gardeners while collecting ideas that can be incorporated in their own landscapes. Quilts will be on display in the gardens to whet appetites for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Garden No. 1 shows what can be accomplished in a very small space. Lots of yard art and glass objects among the flowers make it a delight to see.

The second garden is a landscape that is designed to be left on its own for long periods of time. It has a blend of lawn, trees and plantings that are natural, beautiful to the eye, and restful to the soul. The home overlooks the Deschutes Basin Land Trust Preserve meadow.

Benches welcoming visitors to sit in a deeply relaxing hideaway are found in Garden No. 3. It has a large rolling expanse of grass complemented by islands of flower beds and tall trees. Long-established Silver Lace vines top off the fences, and hops grow up the sides of the house.

Cold-climate roses, perennials, wildflowers, and delphiniums started from New Zealand seeds are found in Garden No. 4, intermingled with arches, gates, arbors, trellises and birdhouses.

Garden No. 5 uses native plants, xeriscaping, and a large fence to thrive in spite of the various obstacles known to all Central Oregon gardeners - deer, rabbits, frost, wind, temperature swings, and the short growing season.

Venture to the Sisters Community Garden to see a variety of vegetable and flower plots. Lunch items will be available to purchase.

The tour is on Thursday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased for $15 at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce at 291 E. Main Ave., The Gallimaufry at 111 W. Cascade Ave., or by contacting Marsha Lewis at [email protected]