PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN GATE GARDEN CLUB
On Sunday, July 19, the charm of midsummer will be on full display as the Fenton Open Gate Garden Club presents its 27th Annual Summer Garden Tour. Running from 10AM to 5PM—rain or shine—this beloved community tradition invites visitors to step beyond the garden gate and into a world of creativity, color, and inspiration.
Set against the backdrop of one of Michigan’s most picturesque small towns, this year’s tour features seven exceptional gardens in and around Fenton and Holly. Just minutes from a vibrant downtown known for its lakes, parks, and inviting streetscapes, each stop on the tour offers a unique expression of the gardener’s vision, ranging from carefully curated elegance to delightfully untamed natural beauty.
Among this year’s highlights is a garden inspired by the timeless charm of Mackinac Island, as well as a serene waterfront retreat complete with a dam and winding woodland trails. Visitors will also discover a “controlled chaos” garden, where raised beds burst with life in an artful balance of structure and spontaneity. At a historic event venue, roses and hydrangeas mingle with hundreds of plant varieties, while stately turn-of-the-century mansions evoke the romance of Victorian-era landscapes. Classic perennial gardens, featuring coneflowers, geraniums, and hostas, round out the experience with familiar beauty and seasonal abundance.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply someone who appreciates nature at its finest, the tour offers an opportunity to slow down, wander, and gather ideas to bring home. Knowledgeable homeowners will be present at each location to answer questions, and plants throughout the gardens will be clearly labeled for easy identification.
Admission includes a thoughtfully curated garden guide, access to a Master Gardeners of Genesee County information table, and special merchant discounts. Guests can also enjoy light refreshments and a water station at one of the featured gardens, and will be entered into a drawing for a beautifully crafted garden bench.
Tickets are $15, with free admission for children under 12. Advance tickets will be available online beginning in May and at local merchants starting in June. On the day of the event, tickets may be purchased between 9AM and 2PM at the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum, located at 310 South LeRoy Street.
For the latest updates and ticket information, visit the Open Gate Garden Club online or follow along on Facebook.
This July, take a day to wander, wonder, and be inspired—one garden at a time.
For more information visit us at https://www.facebook.com/OpenGateGardenClub or at https://www.opengategardenclub.com/
