Reading Centre Park Historic District’s annual garden tour to feature backyards, porches and more

Centre Park Historic District’s 26th Annual Garden Tour will feature more than backyards this year.

“Visitors this year will be treated to not only the varied gardens of the Centre Park Historic District but will also be wowed by the unique container gardens found on many porches, a unique aspect of the urban gardening landscape,” the neighborhood organization said in a statement.

On June 22, ticket holders can stroll through the northwest neighborhood, characterized by architectural gems and craftsmanship of the late Victorian era, making stops at 10 locations along the way. Most stops will feature live music or other activities.

Scheduled performers include: acoustic guitarists Brian Good and Marilyn Zukowski, saxophonist Greg Wilson, Turtle Moon American Flute Circle and acoustic group Just a Song.

Other demonstrations include:

• Marci Bieber of Hound and Hive Apiary, who will share her knowledge of pollination and bees. Tour goers also can observe an active beehive.

• Steve Weber, a retired carpentry instructor and wood carver, who will demonstrate and display artistic wood carvings.

• Debbie Hollis, a magician and rhythm accompanist, also will be featured.

The Centre Park Historic District Artifacts Bank, 707 N. Fifth St., will be open during the tour. The bank offers salvaged architectural items for sale as a resource for do-it-yourselfers or to creatively repurpose.

“Many people have found that special item to use as a unique accent piece in their garden,” a district representative said. “Old window sashes become space dividers, wrought iron gates become trellises, old shutters hold hanging pots for plants.”

Tour sponsors Riverview Tree and Landscaping and New Castle Lawn and Landscape will offer plants for sale.

“For 25 years, the Centre Park Historic District has hosted the Garden Tour to showcase the hard work and creativity that make beautiful city gardens genuine labors of love,” the district said. “From lush and elaborate earthly paradises to pocket-sized wonders of design and functionality, these city gardens offer a fresh and quiet compliment to the vibrant intensity of city life.”

The tour will be held rain or shine.

If you go

What: Centre Park Historic District Annual Garden Tour.

When: June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Centre Park, 701 Centre Ave.

Tickets: $25 person, available in advance at centreparkhistoricdistrict.org or on the day of the tour in the park.

Tour tickets including a brunch at the Inn at Centre Park cost $70 each and are available by advance purchase only.