Summer Gardens Tour

Within a community, there lay hidden treasures. For some, these treasures may come in the form a restaurant, an art gallery, or an open space. Thomsens seeks out hidden treasures in the form of private gardens – exquisite in their being; developed and nurtured, simply for pleasure and satisfaction of its visionary.  In 1996, Bob & Bonnie Thomsen brought the original Summer Gardens Tour to Central Minnesota. Fourteen years later, Thomsens Summer Gardens Tour remains the pre-eminent Tour in the area.

The Summer Gardens Tour is a self-guided excursion through private gardens in our local communities.  Scheduled for Saturday & Sunday July 17th and 18th, those touring can go at their own pace, visiting gardens on one or both days. To cap off the event on Sunday afternoon, all ticket holders are invited back to Thomsens Garden Center’s Backyard Gardens to enjoy a reception. The reception is an opportunity to visit with fellow gardeners, as well as the tour home/garden owners, while enjoying live music and hors d’oeuvres. Touring hours are Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-4, with the reception commencing at 4 on Sunday.

The Summer Garden Tour was founded on two philosophies; the beauty of gardening should be shared, and proceeds from such an event should be given back to non-profit organizations in the community that embody beauty. Over the years, proceeds have gone to children’s organizations, the Humane Society, and St. Cloud arts. Again this year, Thomsens Greenhouse & Garden Center is partnering with Avon Area Arts in sponsoring The Summer Gardens Tour 2010. 

The Summer Gardens Tour 2010 will feature 7 beautiful gardens routing through the Albany and Avon areas. Country gardens to quaint urban gardens, the Tour is sure to offer something for everyone. Tickets will be available at local businesses, including Thomsens Garden Center, beginning in June.  Get a sneak peek of the upcoming Tour via the images below.

Thomsens is always seeking leads of homeowners who are willing gardeners with worthy gardens for participation in the Tour. If you are such a gardener or know of such a gardener, please contact Thomsens Garden Center at (320) 363-7375. Scouting begins in July of the year prior to Tour participation. We keep record of potential sites until there are enough gardens in a common area in which to establish the Tour – we would love to hear from you.