'Gardening for All Ages' theme of Opechee Garden Club's 15th annual tour July 16

LACONIA — “Gardening for All Ages” is the theme for the Opechee Garden Club’s 15th Annual Garden Tour, Luncheon and Boutique, to be held from 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.

Tour co-chair Judy Robertson said, “We are grateful to those Laconia and Gilford homeowners who are opening their homes for our tour, and we are excited about the variety and quality of the gardens offered this year — truly something for all ages.”

Co-chair Barb Sargent described some of the tour sites as “Gardens located on two area lakes and a fabulous mountain-top setting with breathtaking views of yet another lake and spectacular mountains beyond; an English-style garden with lots of color and texture offering a stroll through trees and shrubs to a more formal setting; a lovingly-tended garden of wildflowers, perennials, and herbs with a patio surrounded by a white picket fence; a featured children’s garden; and more.”

Special guest, Greg Moonie, an advanced master gardener and lecturer at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, in Stamford, CT., whose specialty is composting, will be available to answer gardening questions. A variety of table settings with accompanying floral arrangements will be displayed at each location, and artists working en plein air will add yet another artistic dimension to the event.

Denise Ortakales, author and illustrator of children’s books, will demonstrate some of her techniques at the children’s garden between 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. Included in the children’s garden will be containers planted by members with the help of a child in their lives to instill the love of gardening in youth.

The always popular luncheon, catered by garden club members, will be served from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. and include a variety of homemade salads, rolls, desserts, and beverage, accompanied by the relaxing music of Jane Ellis at the keyboard. Visitors are encouraged to "stop and smell the flowers" during the tour with coffee and muffins offered at one location in the morning, and cookies and lemonade at another location in the afternoon.

Becky Gage and the Committee promise another shopping opportunity for that perfect gift or for one's own garden at Sheilah’s Boutique, featuring garden-related items from the useful to the whimsical. All are encouraged to succumb to temptation by the Raffle table, as someone will surely take home their own Adirondack chair or other enticing item.

“I look forward to greeting prior and new visitors to our tour," said President Carmel Lancia " It is a wonderful way to spend a summer day, enjoying this beautiful region and the lovely gardens, all the while helping to raise funds for worthwhile endeavors such as our EverGreen Award, the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, and support for other area projects and community gardens. “

Tickets for this self-guided tour of seven selected Lakes Region gardens are priced at $20, which includes the luncheon. Advance tickets may be purchased at Appletree Nursery in Winnisquam, Beans & Greens in Gilford, Cackleberries in Meredith, Petal Pushers in Laconia, Kitchen Cravings Restaurant and Sawyer’s Dairy Bar in Gilford, the Gilford and Laconia Libraries, from club members, by calling 520-0578, 731-9810 or e-mailing opecheegardenclub@yahoo.com.

On tour day, tickets will only be available in the morning at the Laconia Public Library and all day at the Gilford Community Church.