Create Columbia will present Art in the Gardens on Saturday, June 10. The tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature music, artists working en plein air and plenty of foliage.

"Attending Art in the Gardens provides an opportunity to enjoy the creative designs, innovative use of space and artistry of local gardeners," said Kathy Hohenadel, a member of the garden tour committee. "Many attendees leave the tour with their own 'Aha!' moment when they realize that they could modify an idea used in a host garden as a way to enhance their own garden. Attendees also have an opportunity to interact with artists located in the gardens to discuss inspiration and methods or to just watch the creative process unfold."

From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., live music will be featured in Locust Street Park, coordinated by Chris Prestia of Columbia School of Music. Plantings from various Columbia gardens will be available for purchase in the park as well, along with garden accessories for purchase from a limited number of vendors. The photography of John Reitzel will also be available for sale.

Each of the residential stops on the tour will feature at least one artist. Seven gardens will be spotlighted, showcasing different styles and gardening features. Highlights will include container gardens, ponds, butterfly gardens and vegetable gardens. One of the homes features Victorian-style gardens that have been certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a natural habitat. Wright's Ferry Mansion's gardens will showcase pawpaw trees, and a tour guide will share the story of the home and its gardens.

As Hohenadel explained, the tour was formerly coordinated by the local Chamber of Commerce. When that group decided to discontinue the event, members of the board of Create Columbia suggested picking it up as a fundraiser. "It takes a certain amount of creativity to tend to a garden, and Create Columbia felt that it was a natural fit to adopt this event and expand it by showcasing local artists in action at each of the venues," she shared.

Tickets for the tour will be available for purchase on the tour date in Locust Street Park. Cash or checks will be accepted, with an additional service charge for purchase by credit card. The tour will be held rain or shine. For more information, including a sneak preview of each garden, visit Create Columbia's Facebook page.