Quilts and gardens combine in colorful tour

Have you been thinking you can't garden in Central Oregon? If so, it's time to think again! And then come to the Quilts in the Garden Home & Garden Tour for inspiration and practical know-how.

Sponsored by the Sisters Garden Club, the 18th annual tour on Thursday, July 9, will feature five successful local gardens, including open houses at two of the homes - plus the ever-expanding Sisters Community Garden. Locally made quilts will be on display at each of the home gardens and homeowners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

The tour begins in Tollgate with Garden No. 1, a Western-themed oasis with whimsical yard art accenting the colorful garden beds of perennials, annuals, and vegetables which surround the year-round water feature and lovely greenhouse.

Also in Tollgate, Garden No. 2 showcases easy-growing plants that attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. The opportunity to tour the lovely home at this location is a special additional treat.

Just completed, garden No. 3 looks anything but new: 2,500 bricks from the original 1900s firehouse in Scotts Mills, Oregon, were repurposed to create a rustic patio, flower borders and raised vegetable beds. A path of stone pavers winds its way past a hand-built pergola shaded by Virginia Creeper and Centennial Hops. This low-maintenance, deer-proof yard creates an Old World feel that makes you want to stay awhile. However, instead, you will definitely want to wander across the alley to visit the neighboring "Eye Candy" small garden bursting with color and art.

At Garden No. 4, a meandering lava-rock wall designed by Andy Goldsworthy encloses a one-third-acre lot in Sisters with a stunning mountain view. Situated next to a working homestead ranch, it feels as if you are in the country. Landscaped with deer-resistant plants, charming pond and a creek, this property features a unique flower and vegetable garden right outside the studio windows of one of Sisters' most talented quilters.

Lovingly named "Alpenglow," Garden No. 5 creates a small oasis of greenery and flowers in the midst of the natural beauty of the high desert. From the orchard, raised-bed herb and vegetable gardens to the lilac row, water feature and English garden enclosure, each area reflects a blend of colors and garden varieties. Touring the beautiful home here further adds to the enjoyment of this unique location.

The Sisters Community Garden at location No. 6 boasts an impressive new greenhouse as well as a variety of vegetable and flower garden beds. In addition, a most delicious lunch prepared by Community Garden members will be available for purchase at this stop.

The tour will run 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., by contacting Marsha Lewis at [email protected] or 541-595-6389, or at www.sistersgardenclub.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the tour at any of the gardens. Children under 12 years old may attend free of charge.

All homes and gardens are within a six-mile radius of Sisters. Watch for the colorful silk garden flags at the entry to each location.