“A garden is not a place. It’s a journey.”
— Monty Don
What stories have shaped you?
Members of CFUW Perth & District invite you to begin a new chapter on a summer’s day in the garden — or rather, in several of them — and open the book on joy.
Wander through creative landscapes and beautiful homes, listen to live music, appreciate local art, meet new friends, and support education initiatives during the CFUW Perth & District Home & Garden Tour, taking place on Saturday, July 11 from 9am to 4pm in and around the picturesque town of Perth on the Tay River.
Now in its third year, this popular self-guided tour will showcase eight stunning gardens and four unique homes. Along the way, visitors will also enjoy live performances by local musicians and the work of talented area artists.
But this year’s tour offers something new.
Each garden will feature a literary theme, adding an imaginative layer to the experience.
Co-chair Jennifer Kelly explains: “Each garden will hopefully evoke nostalgia for a story and allow visitors to connect more deeply with what they see. Rather than simply walking through a beautiful garden, you might imagine Oberon and Titania tended by fairies while mischievous Puck hides behind the shed. You might picture the Greek god Pan lingering among the tall grasses, or feel Anne Shirley’s joy as she gazes upon the Lake of Shining Waters. It’s not just what you see — it’s what you feel when those stories come back to you.”
Feeling inspired? Visitors are encouraged to dress as their favourite literary character for the chance to win a prize. And when it’s time to pause, you can enjoy a pre-ordered picnic lunch, perfect for relaxing in a beautiful setting during the day’s adventures.
Supporting Women and Education
The story doesn’t end when the tour concludes. It continues by opening new chapters for women in the community.
CFUW Perth & District, founded in 1970, is part of a national, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equality, social justice, fellowship, and lifelong learning for women and girls. Today the club includes more than 200 members who share friendship, activities, and a commitment to community.
In 2025 the Home & Garden Tour raised over $27,400, supporting post-secondary education awards for local women, local libraries, community non-profit organizations, and educational enrichment programs in elementary schools.
Co-chair Betty Lorimer says the impact is deeply meaningful. “I had the good fortune to attend the dinner for the recipients of our education awards. It was incredibly rewarding to hear what these young women have already accomplished and what they plan to do next. It makes fundraising for this cause so worthwhile.”
She also highlights the many volunteers who make the tour possible. “I have the opportunity to work with confident, capable women serving as coordinators and house captains, along with the many volunteers who welcome visitors throughout the day.”
Community Support
CFUW Perth & District extends heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and sponsors who help bring the tour to life. This year’s Platinum Sponsor is Carleton Place Nursery Ltd., joined by Gold Sponsors IronJack Tree Services and Matthew Newby, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities.
Their support, along with that of dozens of local businesses, helps cultivate this event. Since 1999, CFUW Perth & District has awarded $272,025 in Education Awards to 214 women who have demonstrated financial need.
Plan Your Visit
Magic awaits at the CFUW Perth & District Home & Garden Tour. Volunteers will be ready to welcome you as you explore the gardens and homes of Perth and the surrounding area — each inspired by the power of storytelling.
So go ahead — bookmark your calendar for a sensory summer adventure. Tour tickets are $35 each, and an optional picnic lunch is $20 (limited to 225 lunches). Lunch will be available at the Royal Canadian Legion, the Tour Headquarters. Tickets will be available as of April 1 at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434), and in-person at select retail outlets as of mid-May.
Discover all the details at cfuwperthhomeandgarden.org. And then see where the story leads you!