Portage la Prairie's annual Artful Gardens Tour fundraiser is taking place tomorrow, and is put on by Portage and District Arts Centre. Marketing and events coordinator Lee Beaton says this year showcases a diverse range of garden displays.

"There are eight gardens. They're all so very different. I know at one garden, they have a tree that they planted, and they call it the Drew Tree, because it's named after their grandson. It was given to them when their grandson was born. And I believe he's about 19 now. So, I mean it's a huge tree in their backyard. They have different perennials."

She notes it's about recognizing gardeners who go the extra mile.

"Another garden -- I want people to look in under the shrubs, because you're going to see different things. There are some different fairy gardens, and fairy homes, and stuff. And in one of the gardens you'll see some grasses, some vegetables in raised beds. They just get very creative. They go a little bit further. And it's not just your marigolds or whatever. They're adding extra. Being very creative and adding mirrors, and some gardens have different sculptures hanging on their fences, etc.."

Beaton says the length of our winters and appreciation for summer causes people to add to their yards and gardens, and check out other ideas from those heavily involved in the hobby. She says some people put water features in their yards for the sole purpose of drowning out the road noise. Beaton notes others have implemented ideas into their gardens as a result of the tour. She says gardeners like to share what they're doing, and some have said they've gained even more ideas after people visited theirs. She explains it's not what you expect, if you've never participated in the tour before. It's about the entire day, bringing some friends with you , and touring the gardens as well as visiting the Arts Centre and view artwork on display there. There's a light lunch and interaction with the people who participate. Door prizes are involved, the plant identification contest, and it's just a fun day to mingle, talk, laugh, make new friends and enjoy one another.

Tickets are $25.00 available at the gift shop and Art Gallery. They're open from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and their number (204) 239-6029, and email is pdac@mts.net. Their website is www.PortageArtsCentre.ca.