Behind manicured hedges and winding pathways, some of Scarborough’s most extraordinary gardens remain hidden from public view—until now. The annual Bluffs Gates Open Home Garden Tour returns this summer, offering rare glimpses into private botanical sanctuaries while supporting a vital community cause.
This year’s tour, scheduled for June 22-23, will showcase eight meticulously crafted residential gardens throughout the Scarborough Bluffs area, each revealing the personal vision and years of dedication of their creators. From Japanese-inspired meditation spaces to vibrant pollinator havens, the diversity of landscapes promises something to inspire every visitor.
“What makes this tour special is how it reveals the unexpected beauty tucked away in our neighborhoods,” says Margaret Chen, event coordinator and longtime Scarborough resident. “These aren’t professional showcase gardens—they’re labors of love created by homeowners who’ve transformed ordinary spaces into extraordinary retreats.”
Beyond aesthetic appreciation, the tour serves a critical purpose as a fundraiser for the Scarborough Health Network Foundation. Last year’s event raised over $45,000 toward essential medical equipment, and organizers hope to surpass that figure in 2024.
Local garden owner David Michelson, whose property features a remarkable collection of rare hostas and shade perennials, explains his participation: “Opening my garden connects me with fellow enthusiasts, but knowing it helps fund our community hospital makes it meaningful on another level entirely.”
The self-guided tour format allows participants to visit gardens at their own pace between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Volunteer docents will be stationed at each location to answer questions about plant identification, growing techniques, and the stories behind particular garden features.
Early ticket sales indicate growing interest from beyond Scarborough’s borders, with garden enthusiasts from across the Greater Toronto Area planning to attend. This expanded reach reflects both the increasing popularity of garden tourism and heightened awareness of the Scarborough Health Network’s funding needs.
“What visitors often don’t realize is how these gardens represent decades of trial and error,” notes horticultural expert Rebecca Wong, who consulted on several featured properties. “They’re seeing mature landscapes that have evolved through countless seasons of experimentation—something that simply can’t be replicated in newly installed gardens.”
The tour also highlights sustainable practices, with several featured gardens demonstrating rain capture systems, native plant integration, and chemical-free maintenance approaches that support local biodiversity while creating stunning outdoor spaces.
As public interest in gardening continues to grow following the pandemic-era surge, events like this offer valuable real-world inspiration beyond what can be gleaned from social media or gardening shows. They also foster community connections in an increasingly digital world.
As Scarborough continues its evolution as one of Toronto’s most diverse and vibrant communities, this celebration of its hidden natural beauty raises an important question: How might these private sanctuaries influence our approach to public green spaces and community development in the years ahead?
Tickets for the Bluffs Gates Open Home Garden Tour are available online or at select local garden centers and retail partners throughout Scarborough.
