A photo from this year’s garden tour.
Photo credit: Jody Rosenbloom
NORTHAMPTON — The 31st annual Friends of Forbes Library Northampton Garden Tour will take place Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Garden lovers and fans of Forbes Library will explore six delightful home gardens.
Chair Jody Rosenbloom of the Friends of Forbes Library Northampton Garden Tour said, “We have had between 500-700 attendees come through from all over New England. We just hope to have a beautiful day and people who enjoy gardens come to mingle.”
Each garden will have plant descriptions and volunteer guides to answer any questions. There will be live music and a plein-air painter, as well as a raffle. Prizes include a garden bench, organic compost, gift certificates, garden supplies and other items. All the proceeds go to Forbes Library for books, equipment and programs.
The Friends of Forbes Library is an independent, nonprofit organization promoting the interests of the Forbes Library so that its services, activities and facilities can benefit the public to the greatest extent.
Once a year as a fundraiser, the Friends of Forbes Library host the garden tour as a way to build community, support their public library and promote gardening.
“It has proven to be a successful fundraiser,” said Rosenbloom. “The gardens are what every day gardeners can do themselves. The tour is for everyday people who like to learn [about] a variety of landscape styles, plants and gardening methods. It’s a great event and a lovely way to spend a day with kind community people who enjoy coming.”
The public is encouraged to join the Friends of Forbes Library on this 12-mile scenic route. Bicyclists are welcome. Tickets provide garden locations and parking guidance. You provide your own transportation to all gardens on the tour.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at Bay State Perennial Farm (Whately), Cooper’s Corner (Florence), State Street Fruit Store (Northampton), Gardener’s Supply Company (Hadley), Sugarloaf Gardens (Sunderland) or at Forbes Library. The last date is June 13.
There is also the option to prepay online until June 11 at forbeslibrary.org/friends and pick up tickets at Forbes Library the week of the tour.
Pick up online tickets only on Thursday, June 12 from 4-8 p.m.; Friday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, June 14 (tour day) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tour tickets are $20 if bought in advance. Day of tour tickets are $25 and only sold at Forbes Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
Buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a prize and to further support Forbes Library. Bring cash to the garden tour or buy your raffle ticket at Forbes Library until June 13. Raffle tickets are $5, $10, and $20 offering multiple chances to win. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the tour. Winners will be notified by phone. You can also buy a Northampton Garden Tour T-Shirt for $30, or two for $50. T-shirts are sold at Forbes Library and at the garden tour.
For more details, visit https://tinyurl.com/yknssf3e or the Forbes Library Facebook page.
