WILMINGTON – The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) is pleased to announce the Second Annual Wilmington City Gardens Tour on Saturday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The City Gardens Contest has been recognizing outstanding gardens and the proud gardeners who create them for 26 years. Last year more than 200 people attended the tour. This year’s City Gardens Tour showcases 12 winning gardens from previous City Gardens Contests. Many of these gardens have never been seen by the general public. Each beautiful location represents the pride of hard work and a commitment to making Wilmington a greener place to live.

Tickets cost $15 for DCH members and $20 for non-members. The tour is self-guided. A map and guide book with directions and garden descriptions are included in the ticket price.
Pre-register before June 13 to receive the guidebook by mail. After June 13, tickets can be purchased at DCH on North Dupont Street in Trolley Square, including on the day of the tour.

Free tickets are available to reporters who are interested in writing an advance story about the event. Professional-quality photographs of the tour and the gardens contest can also be provided.

Volunteer judges are also being sought to judge the entries for the 2008 City Gardens Contest. No previous experience is necessary. The deadline to apply to be a judge is Monday, July 7. The judging will take place on Saturday, July 19. Breakfast and lunch will be served for volunteers. More than 140 gardeners and judges participated in the 2007 City Gardens Contest.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the City Gardens Tour or the City Gardens Contest, please call Marcia Stephenson at 302-658-6262, ext. 105.

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The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) cultivates greener communities by inspiring appreciation and improvement of the environment through horticulture, education and conservation. Founded in 1977, the Center’s site in Wilmington, Delaware includes a 1.5 acre educational demonstration garden, a 3,000 volume lending library, an art gallery, a lecture hall and a greenhouse. DCH supports 15 active community gardens throughout the city of Wilmington; beautifies Delaware’s roadsides with native vegetation; maintains the landscaping of many urban gateways, corridors, and streetscapes; leads regional conservation projects to enhance Delaware’s urban forest; and provides educational programs for children, teens, and adults.  For more information, visit www.dehort.org

Contact:
Wendy Scott
Delaware Center for Horticulture
302-658-6262, ext. 104