Clark County residents looking for natural gardening inspiration can explore nine local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques during this month’s Natural Garden Tour. After two years of virtual events, the annual event will once again invite visitors to take self-guided tours of urban and rural gardens across the county.

Visitors can take free, self-guided tours 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 17. From the heart of Vancouver to the headwaters of the Washougal River, featured gardeners have gradually transformed their landscapes in sustainable ways while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of gardening. The gardens featured on the tour demonstrate the array of components that make up natural gardens and prove sustainable gardening is achievable on any scale.

Gardening naturally supports a healthy environment for the community while protecting local wildlife and waterways. Tour participants can learn techniques from local gardeners who grow fruits and vegetables organically, create habitats for vulnerable pollinators and other wildlife, utilize drought-tolerant plants and rain barrels to conserve water, rely on biological controls rather than pesticides, and opt for reduced-size lawns or lawn alternatives. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer participant questions at each garden.

Participants can explore gardens at their own pace – visiting as many of the nine gardens as they’d like. Booklets with a tour map and garden details, including accessibility levels, can be downloaded from the Clark County Green Neighbors website or found at six locations:

• Hayes Family Growers, 3004 NE 182nd Ave.
• Backyard Bird Shop, 8101 NE Parkway Drive
• Kindred Homestead Supply, 606 Main St.
• Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center (formerly Shorty’s), 10006 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
• Cascade Greenhouse, 6005 NE 139th St.
• Chapman’s Greenhouse and Nursery, 14002 NE 117th Ave.

Visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website for more information about the Natural Garden Tour and other environmentally conscious activities. The 2020 and 2021 virtual Natural Garden Tours are also available on the website, and a recap of this year’s tour will be available in the coming weeks.