Thanks, GJers, for your comments. Kirk & Kelly...don't give up on GS'ing for a turbine...after seeing the beautifully painted one by mzclassic in FL, I knew I would like one...took a yr or so but got mine for $5 at GS! frou & marlene & Nantricia...thank you..& I like that garden saying, frou! marlene...I'm hoping our paths cross some day in RL...luv the projects you & DH do tog, too! Jeanne S. I moved & also planted some new lilies in that garden & have lots of colors, frou...here's a new white one that bloomed in front of the rusty wheel a couple days ago:

Have you thought about organizing a hosta society? Most of the time, tours are usually sponsored thru a club or society. Are there any other gardening clubs in your town? Another thought is to maybe set up your tour as a charitable event. As for the thought of a "real life" forum... tours really don't do much to foster relationships, unless its a bus tour where you have time to chat with your neighbor. But even then, people tend to visit with those they know, not so much with strangers. This is where the gardening club/hosta society is going to come in. If you think you might want to start a society, I'd go to the American Hosta Society facebook page and ask how to start one there, or maybe the Hallson's forum. If there is already a local society, perhaps you can draw interest from the membership. Food is a great way to get people to linger in a garden. Perhaps you could set up your tour as a progressive dinner? Or a pot luck/progressive? 1 house has 4 people bring appetizers, next 1: 4 salads, next 4 entrees, next 4 desserts? Ok, now, from the garden host's perspective. Being on a tour is intimidating. We (the host) have this notion that our garden should be pristine, finished (no works in progress), weed free and perfect before anyone sees them. I don't know how to tell you to get people to relax, but when I had my 2 garden parties in June, I knew they were both going to be groups of gardeners, so they'd understand if things weren't perfect. But if I were on a public tour, I think I'd feel more pressure. Not sure how to tell ya how to get possible hosts to be willing to look past imperfection, but it's going to be a stumbling block. Also, choose a time of the season when hosta gardens look their best. Here in the twin cities that time is in mid to late June.... before the heat really sets in. If it's going to be a general garden tour, maybe July is best, since there is going to be more in bloom. Good luck!

Bluebars, if you're in the Frederick area you must visit Surreybrooke Herb Farm. It's very nice with several water features, theme gardens, lots of garden art and a children's garden. (that adults love too) April is the perfect time to go. It's laid out nicely with pathways, perennial gardens and a wonderful old gift shop. The owners live in an old home on the 15 acre property which is located in a beautiful area between Frederick & Myersville. See the link. There are a couple of dozen pics there that's sure to entice you. Here is a link that might be useful: Surreybrooke Herb Farm

When the owner was asked by another visitor if she would be open again next year, she grimaced about the amount of work but I have a feeling her gardens are that spectacular every year (and weed free). She said she bought the property across the road and was planning an apple orchard. I feel lucky to have gone this year. She recommended Christopher Lloyd's book on succession gardening. Danielle's sister's garden in Nashua used to be on Open Days several years ago although I visited when it was on the local garden tour to raise money for the symphony. She was at Danielle's when I visited. Said her garden had a lot of vole and rabbit damage this year so she has lost a lot of plants. She had already started downsizing her tropical collection she planted in pots and next year when her husband retires, they plan to do a lot of traveling. I don't think her garden will ever be open to the public again which is a shame because she gardens on a small suburban neighborhood lot with a steep backyard slope that's shady. No professional landscape designer but she did need some gardening help. Lucky you to have visited the Epsom garden 10 years ago so to know how much it has changed. Funny thing, I didn't notice the pollinators but I did notice how well the red in the red and cream sunflowers along the side of the garage marched the paint color. Comments were made that the dark red was a great back drop for all the colors. It was painted three years ago ... I wonder how the painters dealt with all the plants? Maybe it was fall.