URI Master Gardeners Open Gardens to Visitors

Thirty five private and public gardens, designed and maintained by Master Gardeners, trained through the University of Rhode Island’s Master Gardener Program, will be open to the public for the sixth “Gardening with the Masters,” Rhode Island’s only statewide garden tour, scheduled for July 13-14, 2013. The gardens, 10 of which are located right here in Washington County, will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days, rain or shine.

“Gardening with the Masters” is sponsored by the URI Master Gardener Association, a 560 member, all-volunteer service organization of Certified URI Master Gardeners, whose mission focuses on education, outreach and sustainability. Master Gardeners have completed a 16-week education program through the University of Rhode Island in all aspects of gardening, sustainability and sound environmental practices. 

“The opening of the gardens is part of the outreach mission of the URI Master Gardeners,” remarked this year’s MG Tour Co-chairs, Art and Peggy Buttenbaum. 

This year the garden tour will again be going back to its roots by emphasizing the educational aspect of every participating garden. Each gardener has highlighted the unique, instructive features and styles of their garden. 

The Garden Guidebook will index these aspects for easy reference for tour participants. The Guidebook also has the participating gardens grouped geographically. Another addition for this year will be the highlighting of  “Rhody Native" plants in the gardens and how they function as tough and colorful alternatives to some common but invasive plants often used in our landscaping. During the tour, visitors are encouraged to ask questions, take notes and bring a camera, learn from the home owner, and try the ideas in their own gardens.

Guidebooks, which serve as admission for both days and include garden descriptions and directions, must be purchased in advance at selected garden centers throughout the state for $20 each. Here in South County, guidebooks may be purchased at the following garden locations:

Highland Farm - 4235 Tower Hill Road (Route 1), Wakefield

Schartner Farms - South County Trail (Route 2), Exeter, RI 

Broadview Garden Center & Florist - 5 Langworthy Road, Westerly

Proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the URI Master Gardener Association. Click here to visit the official "Gardening with the Masters" website.