Open Gardens
"No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden." This quote, from noted wine and garden writer Hugh Johnson, explains why Open Gardens are such a popular benefit of membership in the Northwest Perennial Alliance. In 2012, NPA members paid more than 1600 visits to 86 gardens opened by other NPA gardeners. Many returned to the same garden in a different season--indeed, no two days are the same in the garden.
The 2013 Open Gardens directory, given only to NPA members, is mailed in April, and gardens open beginning in May. In the directory, each NPA garden is grouped into a suggested self-guided tour. Every listing includes the garden’s description, along with driving directions, dates and hours it is open. The book features photographs of most of the gardens, including, for the first time in 2013, eight special pages of color garden photos.
Be sure to look for your 2013 NPA membership card, which is inside the front cover of the directory.
Check our Nursery Discounts list for nurseries that will give you a discount on purchases any time you show your NPA card. You will also find the list in the back of your Open Gardens book.
A third section of the directory, new this year, is the NPA Business Spotlight, which showcases garden businesses owned by NPA members. Download the registration form for a NPA Business Spotlight listing.
Download our registration form. Print out the registration form and mail it to the address on the form. Or you can use it as a guide to provide your registration information in the body of an email: Email the Open Gardens editor. If you would prefer a registration form that you can fill out online and email, email the Open Gardens editor. She will send you the form, with instructions for its use.
Here's what two Open Garden Program participants said about their first-time experiences during the 2012 season:
- "Your best wishes to us came true as we opened our garden to other NPA members -- it was fabulous! We are so happy that we decided to show our garden, our heads will be swollen for days to come from the many compliments. Talking "plants," finding out about other people's favorite garden spots and nurseries -- it's been just a wonderful two days and well worth all the work to prepare the garden for the event.”—Ilse Nethercutt
- "This was the first time I've had an Open Garden, and I must say it was a profound experience. What an opportunity to see and hear about my garden through the eyes of others! Such a surprise to find what a personal growth opportunity this experience would be.” – Carol Hart
The 2013 Open Gardens Program extends from May -- October, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as Open Days. You choose the day(s) and the dates, and we will happily work with you to help make it an experience on par with Ilse’s and Carol’s.
Questions? Please contact us.
