Residents of a Niagara-on-the-Lake neighbourhood will be showing off their gardens at the inaugural Chautauqua Art & Garden Tour on June 1.

The tour grew out of suggestions by members of the Chautauqua Residents Association at their annual meeting last year and “we are thrilled to be able to produce it to showcase the neighbourhood’s horticultural and artistic talents,” association president Weston Miller said.

“We have 10 unique gardens on the tour and many local artists,” he added.

“The tour is completely free to attend and is done in the spirit of promoting the talented Chautauqua residents to a wider audience in town.”

“Historically, Chautauqua was a very artistic community and we are happy to be shining a light on that,” Miller said.

The tour will run from 1 to 4 p.m. While admission is free, cash donations are welcomed.

Mary Kilmer, one of the leaders of the project, compiled descriptions of the gardens and artists involved in the tour:

• 13 Addison Ave.: Features 40 varieties of spectacular bearded and beardless irises. There will be a plant and bake sale at this location.
• 4 Circle St.: Four separate areas distinguish this garden. Hostas predominate: various Japanese maples, grasses, heuchera and shrubs harmonize with perennial beds. The work of artist Jo-Ann Fraser also will be displayed.
• 2 Froebel Ave.: A diverse mix of native and non-native trees, flowering plants and vegetables, the garden is a living ecosystem incorporating cover and sustenance for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Artist Benj Koffman.
• 26 Shakespeare Ave.: Connect your senses with nature as you enter the gate to this country garden of tranquility. Artist: Heather Bacon.
• 42 Shakespeare Ave.: A simple garden to muse in. Artist: Tara Korkmaz.
• 44 Shakespeare Ave.: Mainly a perennial garden, with annuals in hanging baskets.
• 61 Shakespeare Ave.: A Japanese-inspired sanctuary with Californian influences, featuring more than 30 varieties of Japanese maple and an artist’s working studio. Artist: Troy Miller.
• 5 Wilberforce Ave.: A display of photographs of the many visitors to this garden, plus artwork (hand drawings and digital creations), all accompanied by poems and songs. Artist: Holmes Hooke.
• 7 Wilberforce Ave.: A stage designer’s partnership with nature creates an unexpected garden experience. On display in the studio will be set design models and costume design renderings — and the giant map of Chautauqua’s trees. Artist: Leslie Frankish.
• 22 Wilberforce Ave.: This garden features a water fountain centring geometrically placed boxwood and yew shrubs.