March 12, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TO: Media

FROM: Stephanne Saunders, Manager, Office of Special Events, 301-228-2845

RE: 2003 Garden Tour

GARDEN TOUR SET FOR MAY 3 & 4

The 2003 “Beyond the Garden Gates” Garden Tour will be held on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. This self-guided tour features both private and public gardens throughout downtown Frederick, MD.

The tour offers visitors a unique peek behind the garden gates of many downtown historic homes. From sweet fragrances and lush colors, to unique uses of small spaces, guests are often surprised at what they find. Lush gardens feature annuals, perennials, wonderful statuary, and beautiful landscaping.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center plays a vital role in the tour by placing artists in various gardens on the tour. This provides guests a glimpse of the garden through the eyes of an artist. In addition, the Delaplaine serves as a Hospitality Center. While enjoying a light refreshment, guests are also invited to visit their plant sale which only features plants that are indigenous to Maryland. These same plants that are for sale can be seen in an actual garden setting in the Delaplaine’s own beautifully landscaped garden.

Tickets for the tour, which is held rain or shine, cost $12 per person and will be available after Monday, April 7, 2003 at the following locations:

- more -

Tourism Council of Frederick County Inc, 19 East Church Street, 301-228-2888

Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 South Carroll Street, 301-698-0656

Flights of Fancy, 20 East Street, 301-663-9295

The Grapevine, 117 East Patrick Street, 301-663-3920

Each year, the proceeds from the tour benefit a beautification program in The City of Frederick. The 2001 and 2002 tour proceeds were donated to Greater Frederick Development Corporation’s Streetscape program.

Since all of the gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners or business owners, proper garden tour etiquette is requested. This includes remaining on paths or following directions through the gardens as indicated by the hosts. In addition, please refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes or pushing strollers in grassy areas. This will help to preserve the beauty of the gardens that the owners have worked so diligently to provide for the tour. Lastly, parents are asked to prevent children from picking flowers.

The 2003 Garden Tour Committee of Cultural Events for Educating Frederick and Green Walled Garden Club organize the tour. This event would not be possible without the generous financial contributions made by the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors -Ausherman Homes, BB&T Bank, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Farmers and Mechanics National Bank, and Sandy Spring Bank; Silver Sponsors – Bank One, The Frederick News-Post, The Gazette and Mount Saint Mary’s College; Bronze Sponsors - Cellular One and Frederick Arts Council.

For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at
301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.cityoffrederick.com.

###