Great Gardens Tour
Explore beautiful local gardens in Elora & Salem on July 26, 2026
The Elora & Salem Horticultural Society’s Members’ Garden Tour is a celebration of local gardens, creativity, and community.
Each year, members tour throughout Elora and Salem to crown the Great Gardens award to residents with exceptional gardens. Once the winners are determined, members are invited to visit a selection of these gardens that showcase the care, imagination, and personal touches of local gardeners.
From colourful flower beds and peaceful backyard retreats to pollinator-friendly spaces, vegetable gardens, shade gardens, and hidden neighbourhood gems, the tour is designed to inspire gardeners of all experience levels.
Whether you are looking for new ideas, hoping to connect with other Society members, or if you simply enjoy spending time in beautiful outdoor spaces, the Members’ Garden Tour is a wonderful way to celebrate the gardening talent within our community.
Starting in 2027, the E&SHS will be taking nominations of gardens to be judged for the Great Gardens award. Click the button below if you have a friend, family member, neighbour, or even a stranger that you feel is deserving of this award.
What to Expect
Enjoy a relaxed, self-guided tour through a selection of local gardens, followed by a social gathering with the members. Participating gardens may include:
Colourful front and backyard gardens
Pollinator-friendly planting areas
Vegetable and herb gardens
Shade gardens and woodland-inspired spaces
Small-space gardens and creative layouts
Unique garden features, pathways, containers, & personal touches
At many gardens, the homeowners or Society members may be available to answer questions, share stories, and talk about the plants, design choices, and inspiration behind the space.
Previous Winners
Nominate a Garden
Great Gardens Awards - Terms & Conditions
Participation is open to residents located within the designated geographic areas of Elora and Salem.
The competition focuses on private residential gardens visible to the community.
Gardens must be primarily designed, planted, and maintained by the resident; awards will not be granted to gardens that were constructed or are regularly maintained by professional landscaping firms.
Once a resident has been awarded, they will not be eligible to win again until 5 years has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Although many gardens are deserving of winning the award every year, we require 5 years to pass after winning before they can be eligible for the award again.
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That’s a great question! Gardens must be primarily designed, planted, and maintained by the resident. We understand that residents can take over maintaining a garden, making it completely “theirs.” For that reason, we will handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.
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The judging normally takes place within May and June, allowing for awards to be presented in time for Canada Day.
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Winners of the Great Garden awards get to display their E&SHS sign until Labour Day weekend, which is when Society members will come by to pick them up.