Thursday, June 22, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. the master gardeners will be touring six gardens for their 2017 Gardenfest Tour. Tickets are $10 a piece and can be purchased at the HyVee service counter.

Each gardener will also have a few tickets for sale. Though the best way to get directions to the first garden would be through Hy-Vee.

Gardens are selected based on exclusive features. This year one garden sits along a ravine and is filled with handmade decorations.

“Each year we find gardens with some unique interest,” Tour Committee Member Ingrid Liedman said. “Brown County is so lucky to have some exuberant gardeners who try different ideas. For instance, this year one of our folks goes to the free stuff at garage sales and helps himself to whatever he thinks will be cool in his garden. Last year we featured a nationally recognized butterfly garden-natural habitat. We are so thrilled that folks are so willing to share their beauty and their imagination with us.”

The first stop is a two-for one. Pam Gostonczik and Randy and Renee Arndt have nurtured impressive varities of plants on their properties.

Photos by Connor Cummiskey

Pat and Sue Roiger turned their property bordering a ravine into a peaceful “rustic garden” complete with walking paths, benches and some hand-made metal sculptures.

Barb and Ross Nelson packed a side lot full of impressive plants and decorations. Their garden includes a gnome garden (at left), water ponds and a memorial to their son.

Barb and Ross Nelson packed a side lot full of impressive plants and decorations. Their garden includes a gnome garden (at left), water ponds and a memorial to their son.

Jane Baker turned a backyard lacking any shrubbery or trees into a large, serene garden, including these brightly flowering cacti.

Rodney Karnitz’s property started as a sinkhole in front and hills of mud. He installed retaining walls, a patio, fire pit and garden shed to turn it into a relaxing place to sit in the sun.