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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Time for garden tours

Rhododendron bushes, considered to be the area's largest, surround gardeners Bob and Irena Snider. The bushes are navigated through a small pathway. They will be on view June 4 for the Associated Garden Club of Spokane Tour. (Brian Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)
Pat Munts Correspondent
Rhododendron bushes, considered to be the area's largest, surround gardeners Bob and Irena Snider. The bushes are navigated through a small pathway. They will be on view June 4 for the Associated Garden Club of Spokane Tour. (Brian Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)

Garden touring season in the Inland Northwest is happening early this year, so mark your calendars with the following dates.

“The Associated Garden Club of Spokane will host a tour June 4, which is early compared to the traditional August date. The tour features six gardens on Spokane’s South Hill and near North Side. Highlights include a tiny urban garden filled with everything but lawn and the gardens of several plant collectors.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $8 the day of the tour at any of the gardens. Gardens are at 433 W. 20th Ave., 131 W. 40th Ave., 3523 S. Lloyd Road, 1907 E. DeSmet Ave., 1128 E. Glass Ave. and 2828 W. Euclid Ave. Call (509) 939-1906 for more information.

“On June 17 the American Association of University Women will host a tour of eight unique gardens in Colville and Kettle Falls, Wash. From mountain top and Columbia River view gardens, to a historic farm, to city gardens, this will be the best chance to see the creativity of the area’s gardeners. Garden-to-garden Rural Resources bus service will be available. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available in Spokane at Mel’s and at Auntie’s Bookstore. Call (509) 684-5973 for more information.

“On June 18, the Inland Empire Gardeners will host their Spokane in Bloom Tour of seven gardens in northeast Spokane. These gardens celebrate the great American gardening traditions. Many have been crafted by dedicated gardeners, including Phyllis Stephens, over the past 20 to 30 years.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are available at local nurseries. Call (509) 535-8434 for more information.

“On June 25, WSU Master Gardeners and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will host the Backyard Wildlife/Sustainable Gardening Tour. This replaces the Bird Fair usually held early in June. Learn how to develop wildlife habitat, even if you live in the city, and how to use native and drought-tolerant plants to create a sustainable landscape.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 a carload and available by mail postmarked by June 17 and sent to the Extension Office, 222 N. Havana St., Spokane, WA 99202. You can also pick up tickets at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 2315 N. Discovery Place, or at the Green Zone, 222 N. Havana St. Call (509) 477-2048 for more information.

“On July 16, the Coeur d’Alene Garden Club will hold its Woodland Enchantment Tour in Coeur d’Alene. Highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Hagadone summer gardens on Lake Coeur d’Alene. There are also four other woodland gardens that draw from the natural beauty of the region.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25, including the boat ride, and are available at larger local nurseries. Call (208) 772-3148 for more information.

“On Aug. 27 will be the unique Tour of the Vegetable Gardens in Sandpoint. Hosted by the Bonner County Master Gardeners, times and cost will be forthcoming, and we will pass them on as soon as we know.