It’s a chance for you to talk to gardeners about organic gardening, permaculture, native plants, rainscaping, renewable energy, chicken coops, beehives, rain gardens, pollinator gardens and much more!

Here’s how it works:

Approximately one week before the tour, Host Site addresses will go live on our website, SustainableBackyard.org. If you register to attend, you will receive notification as soon as the addresses are confirmed and the map is available.

[REGISTER HERE]

The tour is self-guided. There is no starting point—the route and the stops are up to you. This year, we plan to provide you with suggested routes of yards in specific categories—such as foodscaping, naturescaping, and beekeeping. Because with dozens of yards open, you simply can’t see them all, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin.

Ideally, you’ll enjoy yards nearby so that you get to know your community. If not, you’ll want to select yards based on your educational goals and interests. We strive to enroll many yards so that there are options for everyone.

Because our tour is designed to inspire and encourage sustainable living, it is a best-practices tour, not a best-finishes showcase. Some hosts are just getting started (like you, perhaps) and their yards are works in progress. We include a “level” indicator in the descriptions to help guide you. If you are an experienced organic gardener, you might choose the “mature” sites, or those that offer something new to you, like renewable energy features or beekeeping.

There are endless ways to approach the tour– bike, carpool with friends, or simply walk to the closest neighbor.

How each yard presents the tour will vary according to the host. Some will offer owner-guided tours; others will post signs or provide a map encouraging self-guided exploration. All yard owners will answer your questions, show you what they are growing or raising and be happy to talk right up until 4:00, and then it’s over until next year. We request that all guests respect the hosts’ generosity and not try to “squeeze in one more yard” after the event concludes at 4:00 p.m.

Additionally, please do not bring any pets with you or ask to use the homeowner’s bathroom; homes are not open—only the yards and gardens—and remember, this is a rain or shine event.

So come prepared with a sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, perhaps an umbrella, and given that we are still in the midst of an unprecedented epidemic, you may also want a mask and hand-sanitizer. A few homeowner hosts have requested that guests wear masks when visiting; these are noted in the listings with a small “mask” icon.

Thank you for your interest in a greener, healthier way to live and garden! And remember:

PLEASE REGISTER if you plan to visit any of the yards on Sunday. By registering, you help us assess how many people attended and you could win a gift certificate from one of our sponsors!