Hilda Smith of Shelbyville works in her garden Wednesday in preparation for Saturday's garden tour. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The 2008 Garden Tour, sponsored by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee, will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost for the self-guided tour is $10, and gardens may be visited in any order. Tickets may be purchased this week at M&L Greenhouse or the Chamber of Commerce. If you're unable to purchase tickets this week, they'll also be available Saturday at any of the nine featured gardens.

A limited number of lunch tickets are also available. John and Mary Ann Davis' garden on Wildcreek Road will be the pick-up point for those who have purchased lunch tickets. Plenty of shady trees, along with the Davis' pool, provide a perfect place for a lunch break.

Other gardens featured in this year's tour include the Francesconi and Debatin gardens, both on Hilltop Road in Flat Creek; the Smith and Pitts gardens, both on Narrows Road in Shelbyville; the Upton and Tiller gardens, both on Midland Road in Shelbyville; the Gavin garden, located on Highway 64 East in Beech Grove; and the Barnes garden, located on Riverbend Country Club Road in Shelbyville.

This year's garden tour is expected by organizers to offer beauty, variety, and, overall, a refreshing experience for all who participate.