Designed for Nature tour showcases residential native plant gardens

On Saturday, June 19, the Bucks County Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association (WNF&GA) in partnership with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (the Preserve) will once again feature six gardens – four in the Doylestown area and two in the Chalfont area – on a unique and educational “Designed for Nature” Garden Tour.
The fifth annual tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine, and all volunteers and guests will follow CDC COVID guidelines. The 2020 tour was canceled because of the pandemic.
“All the gardens are in transition to the use of native plants and several show ways to creatively manage water to keep it on the property,” according to Jane Neal, tour co-chair. “The gardens vary in size and presentation, from a casual habitat to a more manicured look.”
To promote community collaboration, one of the gardens is a recipient of the Preserve’s Landscapes in Transition gift with expertise provided by the WNF&GA and Preserve partnership.
Not only do native plants thrive in their own habitats, but they also support native birds, mammals, and beneficial insects, resulting in a garden that sustains biodiversity.

The connection between the health of local ecosystems and human well-being is well-documented in University of Delaware professor Doug Tallamy’s book “Bringing Nature Home.” He concludes, “As gardeners and stewards of our land, we have never been so empowered – and the ecological stakes have never been so high.”
The Bucks County Audubon Society, Bucks Beautiful, the New Britain Borough Bird Town Committee, and the Doylestown and Lahaska Bookshops are Friends of the tour.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of the event. They are available at facebook.com/bucksfg/events/, at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and at the Doylestown and Lahaska Bookshops. “Day of Event” tickets can be purchased at Doylestown Bookshop. Details about our the group’s Native Plant Sale will be provided with purchase of tickets. Visit facebook.com/bucksfg/ for updates.
For information, contact Neal at wnfga.gardentour@gmail.com.

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