Each July, the Edmonton Horticultural Society (EHS) opens the gates of eight to ten extraordinary private gardens across the Edmonton metro area. Be aware, it’s a TWO DAY EVENT. On July 19 & 20, 2025, from 10 am – 4 pm each day, ticket holders receive an illustrated map with addresses, driving directions, and a brief description of what makes each garden special.
From award-winning perennial borders to stunning edible landscapes, every property highlights unique design features—from tranquil water elements to pollinator-friendly plantings—that showcase what really thrives in Edmonton’s short growing season. Whether you’re dreaming of a low-maintenance xeriscape or a vibrant veggie patch, you’ll leave with fresh ideas to elevate your own yard.
What You’ll Discover
- Seasonal Plant Selections: See which perennials, shrubs, and trees flourish in Zone 3—many hosts share their go-to varieties.
- Innovative Garden Designs: Experience creative hardscaping, water-saving features, and small-space solutions that blend beauty with sustainability.
- Edible Landscaping: Tour home orchards and berry patches offering inspiration for incorporating fruit trees and vegetable beds into urban yards.
- Garden-to-Table Inspiration: Chat with hosts about how they grow, harvest, and preserve produce—perfect for anyone wanting to reduce food waste and boost food security.
Why Tour Local Edmonton Gardens
When you step into someone else’s garden, you’re stepping into years of experimentation, adaptation, and care. You see what has survived, what has thrived, and what’s possible—right here, in our city’s short and sometimes unpredictable growing season. Touring local gardens offers more than ideas—it offers confidence. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of soil, shade, water use, and which fruit trees or bushes might belong in your own yard.
The Garden Tour has been a game-changer for many Edmontonians over the years. One past participant shared how it sparked an entirely new approach to their home landscape project:
“The first Garden Tour I attended was a turning point in my landscaping journey. I was just beginning a complete overhaul of my yard and had never even heard the term ‘permaculture’ before. That garden tour introduced me to a yard designed with permaculture principles, and the timing couldn’t have been better—it inspired me right as I was about to break ground. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made in 2012.” – Rob Cooper
- Connect with Local Gardeners: Meet the passionate homeowners who’ve transformed their backyards into thriving ecosystems. Ask questions, swap tips, and learn firsthand what it takes to maintain a healthy garden in Edmonton’s climate.
- Support Community & Sustainability: By touring private gardens, you help raise funds and awareness for the Edmonton Horticultural Society’s charitable programs, which include tree-planting initiatives and youth gardening grants.
- Inspire Your Next Project: Whether you’re seeking shade-tolerant plantings, drought-resistant species, or edible landscaping ideas, this tour offers solutions that reduce waste, save money, and strengthen local food systems.
This garden tour is about more than admiring beautiful spaces—it’s about sparking transformation.
From Inspiration to Action
At OFRE, we help Edmontonians preserve the fruit they grow—but first, they need to start growing it. This garden tour is the spark. It’s the moment when someone realizes: “Hey, I could plant a plum tree. I could grow my own food.” Once that inspiration hits, we’re here to help them every step of the way—starting with our Fruit Tree & Berry Bush Care Basics workshop.
It’s a perfect next step for anyone who leaves the Garden Tour dreaming of fruiting canopies and berry-laden fences.
Get Your Garden Tour Tickets
Reserve your spot today and uncover ideas that will transform your yard into a thriving, sustainable oasis.