Portage la Prairie’s green thumbs are getting ready to show off their work as the third annual Holiday Avenue Garden Tour returns on Saturday, July 12, and this year, one stop already has a provincial award to its name.
Running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the self-guided event features eight garden locations across the Portage area. Each stop offers something different, from sprawling rural landscapes to charming small-space designs.
Among the most anticipated highlights this year is the home of Rose and Keith Park, recipients of the Burgess Shield Award from the Manitoba Good Roads Association. Their property was selected as the Best Urban Home Grounds in towns with populations over 7,500, thanks to decades of detailed work and creative touches, including antique decor, raised vegetable beds, and butterfly-friendly milkweed.
Unique gardens, diverse inspiration
Organizers say no two stops on this year’s tour are alike.
“We’ve got eight very different style gardens,” Lori Carlson-Judson, Holiday Avenue executive member and tour co-chair, says. “We also were able to include a garden that is a repeat from last year, but I’m sure people will enjoy the changes that have been made there.”
Some locations are located just outside city limits, making for a scenic drive between destinations.
“We’ve got a couple of rural properties that are both unique, very interesting,” adds Carlson-Judson. “Interestingly enough, they’re close together, so that makes it a little easier for groups going out and looking.”
Casual format, warm welcome
The tour is intentionally relaxed, with guests encouraged to move at their own pace.
“There are eight stops, but you certainly don’t need to start at number one,” Byrna McDermid, Holiday Avenue Project co-chair, mentions. “As a matter of fact, we encourage people to change it up so that we can spread the crowd out through the different gardens.”
Tickets include a printed map of all the locations, and volunteers will be available at each site to answer questions and guide visitors. Gardeners will also be on-hand to talk plants, swap tips, and share the stories behind their spaces.
“In the past, people have come out from Winnipeg and Brandon and all different communities from around Portage,” Carlson-Judson says. “Sometimes people come out and they share a good amount of information about particular plants that a gardener has in their yard. It’s just a great sharing day.”
Island Park extras
In addition to the garden stops, Island Park will host an expanded vendor market, live musical entertainment, and a Memory Garden display supported by Central Plains Palliative Care. A 50/50 draw with a possible $5,000 pot will be finalized that day, wrapping up three months of fundraising.
Carlson-Judson notes that the casual, welcoming vibe is what keeps people coming back.
“People really feel comfortable. It’s certainly not intimidating for anybody who just wants to go out and kind of dip into what a garden could be.”
Tickets and how to join
Organizers expect another sold-out event, and ticket numbers are capped at 175 to ensure a pleasant experience at each location.
Tickets are available now for purchase at Mil-Jeanne’s Flowers & Axcenz, Portage Supermarket, and Solomon’s Home Garden Gift.
They can also be reserved through social media or by emailing holidayaveproject@gmail.com.
McDermid says capping the event helps preserve the integrity of the spaces on tour. “We have to ensure that the number of people we invite through yards don’t become overcapacity. Too many people can make it a challenging event in smaller yards.”
Whether you’re an expert gardener, a curious beginner, or someone who just loves a walk through peaceful green spaces, organizers say there’s something for everyone.
“It’s a very full day,” remarks Carlson-Judson. “But once people get rolling and having a look in those gardens, it’s very peaceful.”
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