The Smith County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour is an annual project that focuses on, not only the diverse aesthetics of each chosen garden, but on educating the public on Earth-Kind* gardening principles.   2025 Attendance was at 330, up a bit from 2024 and we hope to do even better next year!

We have a small selection sub-committee that is made up of a few members within the Home Garden Tour committee. They view gardens in Smith County, either those of Master Gardeners or those of the public. The gardens are offered by suggestion or networking with others in the community and usually five or six are chosen, depending on the location.

Most all gardens are unique and different and we try to choose those that are beautiful, diverse and have an important teaching element, mostly maintained by the owner and not professionals.  For example, three of the five gardens featured in 2025 were homes of Master Gardeners. These gardens included a ‘pocket prairie’ design featuring many native plants for pollinators, another Master Gardener’s home had an expansive design using a rock lined dry creek for intermittent runoff with beautiful plantings all along the sides and finally, another Master Gardeners home included a peaceful backyard haven with an inviting pool and cozy fire pit for evening enjoyment.

 The annual Home Garden Tour remains steadfast in showcasing what can be done in home gardens and landscapes. Earth-Kind* landscaping principles were chosen as educational topics and tables were set up in each garden. Manned by Master Gardeners, they provided information, both verbally, with demonstrations and with written materials for handout. 

Proceeds from the tours are used for numerous projects including annual scholarships for Horticulture students at Texas A&M and Stephen F. Austin State University, as well as plants and supplies for the Tyler Botanical Garden along with other educational projects and events.