In a former parking lot next to George Shinkosky's house in Marietta, a grand piano serves as a garden centerpiece. The musician and avid fan of whimsy has removed the keys and planted pansies in their place. It's just one of the many secret treasures you'll discover on the Marietta Garden Tour. The event will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature eight gardens, each with unique perspectives.

"There are some very unusual creations by people on this tour," said Karen Sullivan, garden tour chair. "You'll be surprised by what you see. The difference among the eight is unusual also. It's amazing what people think of and invent in their gardens."

George and his wife, Pat, spent more than a year transforming the area next to their home into a two-level space filled with yard sale and architectural finds, including a greenhouse George built from repurposed parts. A highlight of the space is a fiberglass carousel horse surrounded by potted plants.

Other stops on the tour include water features such as ponds and waterfalls, a Zen garden, raised vegetable beds, container gardens and native plants.

"Marietta is very historically oriented, and we have some very old homes on the tour," Sullivan stated. "The people on the tour highlight their old homes with their gardens."

Along with the tour, the event will feature a pork barbecue meal available at the Marietta Community House, 264 W. Market St. The meal will include a pulled-pork sandwich, chips, slaw, baked beans, a dessert and a drink. It will be available to eat in or to go.

At 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. floral designer Gretchen Montayne of Pebbles & Petals will present a program at the Marietta Community House on flower arranging. Mulberry Thrill, located at 100 W. Market St., will sell refreshments during the tour.

Proceeds from the garden tour and barbecue will benefit the Marietta Community House, a historic property now used by nonprofits and for private functions such as weddings.

"The organization supports two buildings on the property," Sullivan said. "The proceeds will go toward maintenance and upkeep of the property."

Sullivan, who spends most of the year scouting locations for the garden tour during her walks through Marietta, said the self-guided tour offers an easy route to follow.

"It is a totally walkable tour," she said. "All eight stops are very close together. You're going to see a lot of creativity and unique creations."

Discounted tickets are available for the tour through Friday, June 14, and may be purchased at Bron's Deli, 34 W. Market St., Marietta; Floral Designs of Mount Joy, 1599 W. Main St., Mount Joy; River Road Produce, 1835 River Road, Marietta; and Murphy's Mercantile and Co., 261 Locust St., Columbia. Full-price tickets will be available at the Marietta Community House on the day of the event.