This sounds like a wonderful idea to me. I have tried something like this in the Knoxville area, but received no positive response. Actually, a bunch of people liked the idea, but no one was willing to include their garden. If it works for you, I would sure like to know how you got volunteers.

When I visit other's gardens, it helps me get ideas. It's a great learning experience as well as being fun and a good way to get to know fellow gardeners.

so far I have gotten no response :( I thought this would be a fun thing to have, and like u said..to get ideas...but no luck.

It *is* a fun thing to have -- as long as it's somebody else's garden! ;-)

See Glenda, this is what I run in to. Amazindirt has to have very a botanically interesting garden. She seems to have every plant actually identified by scientists so far. I know, from talking to her, that the garden is more about the plants than the asthetic layout, but it would still be exciting to see! I don't care if the plants are not in a newly mulched flower bed arranged by color. As we speak, I am narrowing in on her location (wicked sounding hehehe), and one day, I am going to pop in and say, "I'm here for the tour!"

I have been on tours of a few local private gardens here in the Knoxville area, and there are some major impressive gardens that no one gets to see unless they know someone....

Hehe, I'll be glad to join you, Brandon. And Ione is able to keep all the botanical names in mind - - where I have to say "I have it written down somewhere".

I'd be glad to have you all come over to my house, provided you understand that:
1. there is no way for everything to be at it's peak at the same time - - some things look great while others have come and gone
2. I have hoses everywhere which I may or may not pick up
(gotta keep everything watered with the drought!)
3. If I can be outside, I am. Therefore, inside the house doesn't get much attention right now.
4. I have one bed that I refer to as "the iris bed of shame". Yep, it hasn't been weeded and I am planning on taking everything out, but not until later this summer. No pictures allowed of this one!

My perennial beds are already looking a bit wild and unkept, but the tropicals are just now starting to shine.

When I had this in mind, I was not thinking of a tour of cheekwood..lol I was thinking along the lines of People getting together, and sharing their gardens / ponds , with other gardners....my house is unkept as much as the next when I am in my garden.My water hose is also hardly ever rolled up and put away, who cares.....that's part of what makes it your garden...

Glenda,
I think you have the right idea - - just a gathering of friends sharing their gardens. Good luck in finding some local folks that will be willing to participate.

And maybe, Brandon, Ione and I will be able to rustle up some interest here in our Knoxville area.