Enjoy the beauty of May gardens at the brand new Symphony of Gardens Tour, a rare opportunity to view exquisite private and estate gardens in historic Natchez. The new event will take place Friday afternoon, May 4 and Saturday, May 5.

It consists of self-guided tours of a variety of gardens in Natchez. Musical performances by professional artists who are participating in the Natchez Festival of Music during May will take place at a garden each afternoon of the tour.

The event is jointly sponsored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club, the Natchez Garden Club and the Natchez Festival of Music and is the production of Grow Natchez Gardens, Inc. Profits from the sale of tickets will be used to further the work of these organizations.

The tour celebrates beauty, both in landscapes and in music, in conjunction with the Natchez Festival of Music.

People who love to garden can become inspired by design ideas and fascinating plants and plant combinations. People who love beauty will appreciate the artistry of gardening and the beautiful sounds of music in garden locales.

Twelve town and estate gardens will be open for tour participants and an elaborate display of floral arrangements will be on view at the Prentiss Club.

Gardens include historic Rosalie, acres of colorful strolling gardens at Monmouth Plantation; woodlands and landscaped beds at historic Cottage Gardens; formal designs and intricate, colorful plantings at Gloucestter, contemporary roses and other plants suited for Southern climates at Rosehaven; and much more. Many of the gardens are at historic antebellum or Victorian houses.

Plants reflect a diversity of types, according to the homeowners’ preferences. Some are traditional for Mississippi historic landscapes; others are contemporary versions of old favorites. Designs range from formal and classic to contemporary and informal.

Other tour highlights include a plant sale on May 4 by the Master Gardeners of Adams County, complementary shuttle bus service on Saturday, and musical performances by artists appearing in the Music Festival. Tours will take place rain or shine.

An elaborate flower show by the Pilgrimage and Natchez Garden clubs celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Natchez Pilgrimage will be on Saturday afternoon at the Jefferson Street Methodist Church.

Tickets for the Symphony of Gardens Tour can be purchased in advance or at the Barnes House the day of each tour. Prices range from $8 to $30 per person. Group discounts are available. For details, see www.natchezpilgrimage.com.

Karen Dardick is chairperson for the Symphony of Gardens Tour, an avid gardener and a freelance garden writer.