Natchez — Natchez National Historical Park will begin offering its 2010 free downtown walking tours and Melrose garden tours beginning Saturday.

Melrose garden tours will focus on the many camellias and other ornamental shrubs that are currently in bloom, as well as the historic layout of the gardens and the National Park Service efforts to preserve their historic character. Garden tours will be available on Sundays at 2 p.m. from Jan. 9 through May 30.

In addition, garden tours will be available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. in January beginning on Saturday. These tours meet at the Melrose visitor center.

Downtown walking tours will be available every Saturday at 10 a.m. beginning Feb. 6 and running through May 29. Everyone is welcome to join National Park Service rangers on these guided tours and learn about the rich history of Natchez.

Tours focus on a variety of topics and most begin at the William Johnson house, 210 State St.

Garden tours and walking tours are free of charge and last approximately 45 minutes. Please bring water and appropriate walking shoes.

For more information about these free tours or other activities at Natchez National Historical Park, including Melrose and the William Johnson House, please call 601-446-5790 or visit www.nps.gov/natc.