By Emily Hamann
he Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners have announced the dates for the 26th year of Le Tour des Jardins. This show-stopping weekend will be filled with beautiful sites to see, educational opportunities to learn more about gardening, local vendors, and much more. It is a chance for the folks of our community to come out, mingle and meet like-minded individuals and appreciate the hard work and value a garden adds to the community.
This year’s event will be held June 1-2, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. During those times, guests may either visit the Red River Research Station or peruse a whole slew of wonderful vendors who have been handpicked to ensure there’s something for everyone. Some of those vendors include plant sales, garden art, woodworkers, artists, homemade oils, vinegars, jellies, mixes, and other food items. Feel free to stay for a bite to eat from some of the food vendors before making your way back out to tour the gardens.
This year there are six head-turning gardens to visit. Two of those gardens are close to the Red River Research Station to make travel more convenient. As there is no shuttle or schedule for these tours, guests are welcome to view them at their leisure. They will find a map as well as a suggested route to follow on the back of their ticket.
The tour’s goal is to connect gardeners with Master Gardeners and a rich and thriving community of people who share the same passion. It is also a great way to bounce ideas off of each other and ask questions about your own garden. There is no judging or contests involved; they do, however, encourage guests to suggest other gardens for next year’s tour.
“Le Tour is a very special weekend. It is enjoyable as well as educational,” Karen Durham, chair of the committee, said. “Viewing beautiful gardens is a great way to get ideas for your own yard, meet new people, and visit with Master Gardeners who will be happy to answer your questions.”
Each year, this team of Master Gardeners pulls off an amazing event, and it is with the help of a majority of the club that they can ensure its success. If gardening is a passion of yours, reach out to see how you can be involved in their exciting organization. The Master Gardeners meet once a month to eat and enjoy an educational speaker. If this sounds like something for you, please visit nwlamg.weebly.com for more information.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are necessary to visit the gardens. They are $10 in advance and can be purchased from the following:
- Any Master Gardener
- At their office at Red River Research Station at the LSU Ag office on 70th street
- On their website www.nwlamg.weebly.com for $15
Tickets will be mailed to you if purchased by May 26. After May 26, you may pick your tickets up at the Red River Research Station on Saturday, June 1 or Sunday, June 2. Tickets can also be purchased at any of the gardens for $15.