Sooke Secret Garden & Artisans Tour returns!

Visit 10 private gardens during the two-day, self-guided Sooke Secret Garden Tour, June 6 and 7. Jen Blyth photo

By Amelia Shaw

The Sooke Secret Garden and Artisans Tour is almost here! This self-guided tour takes place Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, and is the annual fundraising event for the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus (SPO).

You’ll have a chance to visit, experience and chat with owners of 10 private gardens in Sooke and East Sooke in this two-day, self-guided tour.

Nine artisans will also display their works, and members of the SPO and their friends will perform in some of the gardens. As well, four artisans are opening their studios for visitors, and three “special destinations” are also included.  For more information please visit the Tour website.

Tickets are $40 each with all proceeds supporting the SPO.  Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite on the Sooke Secret Garden Tour website, or in person (cash only) at Sooke Pharmasave, the Sooke Region Museum and the East Sooke Grocery and General Store. 

The Tour also has opportunities to volunteer, greeting visitors or directing people around the gardens. Shifts are three-hours each. In Sooke, there are two openings on Saturday afternoon (12:45 to 4 p.m.), two on Sunday morning (9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and six on Sunday afternoon (12:45 to 4 p.m.). In East Sooke, there is one opening on Saturday afternoon (12:45 to 4 p.m.) and one on Sunday afternoon.  To volunteer for the Tour, please contact Amelia Shaw at ameliashaw1960@gmail.com.