This year's Greater Moncton Garden Tour will offer access to seven local gardens and raise funds for the YWCA

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Seven of the finest gardens in Riverview and Moncton will open their splendour to ticket-holders of the Greater Moncton Garden Tour on July 26.

Proceeds from the day's event will support the work of the YWCA Women's Resource Centre. The Tour is once again being ably organized by Christina Guthrie, Executive Director of the Moncton YWCA.

"We started the Tour in 1994," Christina explains, "and we've only missed one year since then. It was and is a fund-raiser, but it has taken on a life of its own, and now people come out for the gardens as much as, if not more than, for the fund-raising aspect."

There are usually six gardens selected to be on the Tour - this year is an exception with seven. In the early days the majority of Tour gardeners were seniors, but gradually that has changed so that now many younger people and couples are involved. In Riverview, for instance, Kim and Glenn Steeves are excited first-timers on the Tour.

"A neighbour told Christina about our garden, and when she asked us if we'd like to be on the Tour this year we were quite honoured," says Kim. "We both work in the garden, and we both love it."

Glenn and Kim were given some perennials about six years ago, and have gradually became very dedicated to their garden. They have a wide variety of annuals and perennials, including a hibiscus tree which Kim hopes will have a bloom on it for the Tour.

"I think our favourite is our hostas," Kim enthuses. "It's just beautiful with its huge leaves. We really like our sunflowers and astilibe too. We like it all."

"I look at all the gardeners as artists," says Christina. "They express themselves through placement and colour, and special features. The gardens are so individual, they each seem to tell a story about their gardeners."

Inspired? Buy your ticket for the tour now, for $12, at MacArthur's Nurseries, 232 McLaughlin Drive or the YWCA, 35 Highfield. The price goes up to $15 if you leave it until Tour day.

The Tour is self-guided, each ticket-holder being provided with a map and directions. Volunteers are on hand in each garden to act as guides.

Support the YWCA by coming on the Tour, and you may discover your inner gardener. Many people who have since had their gardens as Tour stops started in just that way.

The Tour is a major source of funding for the YWCA's Women's Resource Centre. The Centre is dedicated to providing opportunities, resources, and support for women to empower and enrich their lives.

Sessions and programs include "Think Positively", "Digital Photography", "Co-Dependancy", and "Pilates & Yoga". For more, go to ywcamoncton.com.

Between 250 and 600 people typically take advantage of this opportunity to visit exemplary gardens and chat with other gardeners. Why not be one of them this year?

Unless the weather is quite bad, the Tour will go on. Come out, and find out what makes gardens and gardening so attractive to so many people.

"I don't know how much time Glenn and I spend out there," says Kim. "It's a great stress relief to come home from work and go out in the garden."