For just one day, on Sunday, June 2nd, the public can explore and enjoy eight charming gardens in the Sooke area. Entry into these normally private domains is made possible by the 2019 Annual Sooke Secret Garden Tour, a major fundraiser for the Sooke Philharmonic Society.

Bonnie Sprinkling, Tour Committee Chair, said “This year’s gardens offer magical surprises around every corner.” Included are a terraced garden on a beautiful English-style estate, a one-acre jewel with fruit trees and ponds, and a whimsical garden featuring old varieties of roses. Several offer visitors meandering paths beside streams and ponds while others incredible ocean views. Most are the result of decades of planning, planting and nurturing and the constant fight with bedrock and tree roots.

Except for this one day of the year, all gardens remain private, for the exclusive enjoyment of their owners, their families and friends. The Sooke Secret Garden Tour gives regional gardeners and the curious a rare opportunity to walk through these spaces, discover new ideas for plantings and arrangements and meet the dedicated gardener-owners, willing to share the fruits of their hard work. As well, Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and local artisans will be featured in several of the gardens.

“Almost a full year of planning and organizing goes into each annual tour,” noted Sprinkling. The Tour Planning Committee is made up of 10 additional members. Another 40-50 volunteers are needed on the day of the tour, to direct traffic, hand out information and ensure the day is a great success.

“The fact that so many area residents want to help is just one measure of the community’s widespread support for the Sooke Philharmonic Society,” said Sprinkling. 2019 marks the 11th annual garden tour.

Members of the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra will perform in some of the gardens.

Tickets are available for sale in various regional locations and through Eventbrite. The “secret” map of gardens to be toured is revealed on your pre-purchased ticket. Or, if you buy through Eventbrite, the printed voucher can be turned in at the locations noted on the voucher for your map/tickets to all the gardens.

• Tickets $25 per person, Children 10 and under free (must be accompanied by an adult)
• Tickets may be purchased at
• In Sooke: Shoppers Drug Mart, Peoples Drug Mart, Stick in the Mud, Little Vienna Bakery, Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre, Artisan’s Garden and several outlets (most garden centers) in Greater Victoria/Duncan
• Check sookesecretgardens.com for more information.