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[In photos: The garden of Jean and Don Garrant (on left in gallery) is loaded with flowers, water features, whimsical signs and homemade birdhouses; and the sprawling gardens of Mark and Elisa Haworth reflect hundreds of varieties for both sun and shade. Photos provided.]
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Spacious North Broadway estates, compact city lots and remarkable suburban yards are featured on this year’s Secret Gardens Tour in Saratoga Springs set for Sunday, July 9. The 23rd annual tour includes 11 private gardens. Overriding themes this year are family connections, hidden retreats, and balancing beauty with practicality.
“The mix of styles and size promises to inspire all levels of gardeners,” said Stacie Barnes, co-chair of the Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour Committee with Barbara Lombardo.
The self-guided tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance $20 tickets can be ordered at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org through July 6 or purchased at all four Cudney’s retail locations, Northshire Bookstore at 424 Broadway and the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center across from Congress Park through July 8.
On the day of the tour, if still available, tickets can be purchased for $25 at the Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to the private gardens, docents at the public gardens of the artists’ retreat Yaddo will be there to greet visitors, as will members of the Heritage Garden Club at the Memorial Garden adjoining the rear of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center downtown. Descriptions of all the gardens and suggested driving directions are provided in the tour ticket.
The tour is presented by Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, the local branch of an international volunteer service organization. All the money raised supports projects, programs and individuals improving the lives of women and girls locally and around the world. One of the group's key programs is Project Hope and Power, which helps local victims of domestic violence achieve personal independence.
The 2 West Bar and Grille will donate 20 percent of sales all day on July 9 when patrons mention the garden tour.
Questions may be directed to secretgardensinfo@gmail. com or 581-1201 ext. 4184. Learn more about Soroptimists at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org.
