The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA—Walla Walla Community Hospice (WWCH) is preparing for the 2019 Pond & Garden Experience on Saturday, Sept. 14. They have changed the name from “Tour” to “Experience” because in addition to the self-guided tour of lovely gardens, it is also a day filled with music, art, education, food, wine and more.

In 2018, upwards of 357 individuals visited nine residential properties and one winery. Musicians performed at five of the properties while artists created plein en aire at three of the properties. Vendors sold their garden art and Master Gardeners offered gardening tutorials. WWCH is in search of residential properties in the Walla Walla Valley for this year’s event, which lasts from 9am-4pm. Property owners must be willing to open their outdoor space to an appreciative audience and be in attendance during the day.

Tour attendees appreciate a variety of garden styles and sizes from the very approachable to magazine-worthy. They only ask that the properties reflect the property owner’s interests and personalities. WWCH has become flexible with the concept of a pond, learning to appreciate fountains, creeks, streams, or even an ornate birdbath. If you or someone you know is interested or wants to learn more about being a host for this year’s tour, please contact Brad at brad@wwhospice.org or by calling 509-525-5561. You may also visit wwhospice.org/events to learn more about the event and to view previous years’ photos.