Jeanine Matlow
| Special to The Detroit News
‘Pollinators Peace Garden’ this week’s contest selection
For her entry, Laura Gaunt of Highland Township writes she tried to create a “peaceful retreat for butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and all of the tiny creatures who help to pollinate our world.” Her colorful contribution is this week’s pick in the 2025 Homestyle Garden Photo Contest. Gaunt will receive a home or garden book and will compete for the grand prize — a $200 gift certificate to English Gardens — through online voting by Homestyle readers in early September. The grand-prize winner will be announced in September. For entry instructions and rules, go to detroitnews.com/gardenphotos25. Don’t forget to tell us a bit about what makes them special to you, what flowers you used, or what inspires you. We want to hear your gardening story!
Fenton Garden Tour is Sunday
The Fenton Open Gate Garden Club will hold its 26th Summer Garden Tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday rain or shine. Seven inspirational gardens in and around Fenton and Holly will be featured, from unique European eclectic to a boulder garden. There will also be garden guides and homeowners to answer questions, merchant discounts, light refreshments and more. Advance tickets are $15 (children 12 and under are free) and can be purchased online or at Bordine’s of Grand Blanc, Carlsons’ Greenhouse, Gerych’s Flowers and Events, Hall’s Greenhouse, Linden Florist and Yard ‘N Garden Center and Florist through Saturday. On Sunday, tickets will be $15 and can be purchased from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum, 310 S. Leroy St. Go to opengategardenclub.com.
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show coming to West Bloomfield
The 22nd annual Orchard Lake Fine Art Show will take place from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. July 26 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 27 in West Bloomfield. Featuring Agnes Rathonyi and 125 other juried artists from around the world selling original, handmade artwork in all price ranges, there’s truly something for everyone. Enjoy live music, food, and fun for all ages. There will also be a Youth Art Competition at 3 p.m. July 27. Admission is $5 per person. Free parking will be available behind Corewell Health/West Bloomfield Medical Center, 6900 Orchard Lake Rd. Go to hotworks.org.
Oak Park Garden Tour plans family-friendly fun
Featuring 40 gardens, 15 organizations and free family-friendly fun, the Oak Park Garden Tour from 1–5 p.m. July 27 will have a lot to offer. The garden festival will include 40 gardens at homes and businesses, kid-friendly activities and creative placemaking and a resource fair. “For me, the Oak Park Garden Tour is about bringing people together to celebrate what we have in common,” said Andrew Berg, co-chair and executive producer. “Whether you grow tomatoes to eat, native plants for wildlife or a rose cherished by your grandmother, we all share responsibility as stewards of the earth. Oak Park is a community rich in diversity and our gardens reflect a wide variety of aims, interests and aesthetics. From the balcony to the backyard, gardening is open to everyone and this effort aims to make it accessible, inspirational and fun.” For a list of gardens, organizations, locations and activities along with a map, descriptions and preview photos, go to oakparkgardentour.com.
Detroit Garden Works Garden Cruise
Detroit Garden Works presents the Garden Cruise from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine, with a tour of gardens designed, planted and/or inspired by owner Deborah Silver. Their most significant mission as a business is to foster the idea of environmental stewardship — a mission the Greening of Detroit has embraced since its inception. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds will benefit the planting and educational programs at the Greening of Detroit. Tickets are $40 per person for the tour only and $55 per person for the tour and a cocktail reception. They can be purchased in person at Detroit Garden Works at 1794 Pontiac Drive in Sylvan Lake, by phone with a credit card (248) 335-8089 or online (additional fees apply) at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-garden-cruise-a-benefit-for-the-greening-of-detroit-tickets-1434735986959?aff=erelexpmlt.