Clark County residents interested in natural gardening can explore nine local gardens maintained using sustainable techniques during the 18^th annual Natural Garden Tour.

Visitors can take free, self-guided tours of these private gardens 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 16. Participants can explore gardens at their own pace – visiting as many of the gardens as they’d like. Booklets with a tour map and garden details, including accessibility levels and parking availability, can be downloaded from the Clark County Green Neighbors website or found at five Vancouver stores:

• Backyard Bird Shop, 8101 NE Parkway Drive
• Cascade Greenhouse, 6005 NE 139th St.
• Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center, 10006 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
• Hayes Family Growers, 3004 NE 182nd Ave.
• Kindred Homestead Supply, 606 Main St.

Please note: The La Center garden listed in the printed booklet (garden N1) will not be open on the day of the tour. Please do not visit this location. The La Center garden was removed from the digital versions of the booklet available online.

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 native and drought-tolerant plants for conserving natural resources, rely on biological controls rather than pesticides and herbicides, and opt for reduced-size or alternative lawns. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer participant questions at each garden.

Visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website for more information about the Natural Garden Tour. Photos of this year’s gardens will be included in a virtual Natural Garden Tour available on the website beginning July 16.