July 9? Portland's Munjoy Hill Neighborhood tour -I'm keeping my eye on this since the event hasn't been announced but last year it was held on the sunday after the 4th

July 15, 2017 - Cape Elizabeth ME Garden Tour presented by Fort Williams Park Foundation.

Garden Club Federation of Maine list of club tours: http://www.mainegardenclubs.org/content/news_activites/garden_tours

Deanna, thanks for the Boothbay Harbor update and review. It's such a beautiful area. Last year we stayed over and went to the Boothbay farmers market on a Thursday morning before going to the Coastal Gardens.

The New Castle, NH Village Walk and Garden Tour (benefits the Pontine Theatre) is Sunday, June 11, 1:00-4:30. Details on this link.

Finally found confirmation for Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill (Portland ME) on Sunday, July 9, 2017. http://easternpromenade.org/calendar/2017/7/9/hidden-gardens-of-munjoy-hill

We plan to visit on our way home from a Maine vacation.

Visited Norwich VT farmers market yesterday (well worth the trip) where someone was handing out info for the 8th Annual Norwich House & Garden Tour, Sat., June 24, 10am - 4pm. Tickets $25. Sponsored by Norwich Historical Society: sleek mid-century modern homes anchor this year's tour of four homes and a Japanese garden. For more info: www.norwichhistory.org 802-649-0124 info@norwichhistory.org

I have not been on this tour but highly recommend the farmers market, a very festive event on Saturdays just down the road from King Arthur Flour. There were several vendors selling prepared food so it's a good place to buy a pastry, pizza, salad, etc.

Saw this Chichester NH garden tour listed in the community section. https://manchesterinklink.com/events/historic-chichester-garden-tour/

I have been on this tour and think it's worth it just for the very interesting tour of the wholesaler.

I remember you mentioning this one previously, and I think I will try to do it this year if I can. Thanks for the reminder, Defrost.

I'm dashing in to report that I tour two Garden Conservancy gardens today. Today and tomorrow (7/22 and 7/23) are the only days these private gardens are open to the public. ($7 admission to each) Danielle's garden in Windham is fabulous. Steep front yard/level backyard. Over all very well done I think mostly by the homeowners. The garden in Epsom was spectacular and will be featured in NH Home magazine in the May 2018 issue. This is the first year it was open to the public. One acre incredibly lush with plants. Nice koi pond. Beautiful vegetable and berry raised beds.

Thanks, Defrost. I went to the one in Epsom this morning, and it turned out I'd visited it with a friend of the owner about 10 years ago when it was less extensive. When I talked with the owner she said that she uses something like 250 flats of annuals every year in combination with perennials and shrubs, a style she learned from her mother, grandmother, and Christopher Lloyd. I don't think I've ever seen as many pollinators in one garden and watched a hummingbird chase away a swallowtail butterfly who got too close to "her" flowers! I got a chuckle out of the fish who swam to the edge as people approached, anticipating being fed, I imagine.

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.

Defrost, There was a wedding in the Epsom garden this year, so I think that may have meant that the garden was fairly well polished and weeded already.

I was unsure from your comment if Danielle's garden isn't likely to be on the tour again due to the owner retiring or if that applied to her sister's garden. If the sister is Deanne, I did visit her garden a few years ago.

Yes, it's Deanne who is making retirement plans.