Fans of the Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society will have the opportunity May 11-12 to view some top-flight amateur gardens, but they'll also be able to get an eyeful of the handiwork of a professional.
That's because renowned gardener and columnist Helen Chestnut has agreed to let her Qualicum Beach garden stand as the special bonus garden on the self-guided tour. Chestnut runs a regular gardening column in the Victoria Times Colonist, doling out advice for gardeners perplexed about why their plants — both vegetables and ornamentals — may not be doing as well as they might.
In this event though, she'll be showing off what results can be achieved when everything is done just right.
Other gardens on the tour include lush properties in both Qualicum Beach and Dashwood.
Tickets are $15, with children under the age of 12 free. For more info: 250-752-3545 or 250-752-7369.