Clark County launches interactive, virtual Natural Garden Tour

The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

VANCOUVER – Clark County residents can explore 15 local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques and hear from the host gardeners during this year’s Natural Garden Tour. But rather than driving to properties across the county, residents can now experience the annual celebration of natural gardening without ever leaving their homes. 

The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour incorporates videos and photos of the properties, as well as interviews with local gardeners, into an innovative story map format. Photo courtesy of Clark County Green Neighbors
The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour incorporates videos and photos of the properties, as well as interviews with local gardeners, into an innovative story map format. Photo courtesy of Clark County Green Neighbors

The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour incorporates videos and photos of the properties, as well as interviews with local gardeners, into an innovative story map format. The new format allows visitors to view features, such as lawn alternatives, organic produce or pollinator habitat, as interactive map layers between this year’s gardens.

The tour launched Monday and is available on the Clark County Green Neighbors’ website. Virtual visitors can move at their own pace through the tour and get tips and ideas for incorporating natural gardening features into their own yards. The annual tour is a great way for local gardeners to learn how to make their yard a healthy place for pets and children while protecting waterways and wildlife.

This year’s tour features six new and nine returning gardens. Visitors can take a step back in time as they stroll through the grounds of a beautiful 1-acre vintage-themed garden, and get inspired as they wander along a 450-foot pollinator hedgerow that includes 1,500 native plans for resident honeybees.

After visiting local gardens, tour participants who complete a short quiz about natural gardening will be entered to win prizes.

Participants of the 2019 Natural Garden Tour made more than 2,000 visits to the 12 featured gardens.

For more information about the Natural Garden Tour and other environmentally conscious activities, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.  

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.