There are treasures hiding in the backyards of Marietta, and you'll have the chance to explore them during the Marietta Garden Tour. The tour will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. It will be held rain or shine.

"Driving by the houses in Marietta, you'd never believe what's behind those homes," said Linda Mylin Ross, whose home will be on the tour. "Most of the lots are very deep, and the average person doesn't see what's there. You'll get a chance on this tour to see things you would never see otherwise."

Eight gardens will be highlighted on the self-guided tour. "This year, it's spread out from the east end of Marietta to the middle, to the square," said Karen Sullivan, tour chair. "It's walkable for anyone who wants to do that, but it's also drivable, and we have designated areas for parking."

Although the tour is only one day, finding the gardens is a yearlong project for Sullivan. "I drive up and down the alleys all year, but especially in the spring and the summer, looking for prospective gardens," she stated.

The results of her efforts can be seen in the unique gardens featured each year. Describing her own garden, Mylin Ross noted, "It could be classified as mainly a shade garden, with lots of large, mature trees and shrubs and little pathways, plus a couple of surprises."

Other highlights include magnolia trees, climbing hydrangea, fountains, ponds and garden gates. "This year, the majority of the gardens are at historic homes, and each of those historic homes is unique to Marietta," said Lauralee Baker, whose own home on the tour was built in 1850. "Every one of the homes has different architecture as well."

Along with the tour, a pork barbecue dinner will be available to purchase from 11 a.m. until sold out at the Marietta Community House, 264 W. Market St. The meal will include a pulled pork sandwich, chips, baked beans, slaw, a dessert and a drink.

Linda Ferich, a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist from the Lancaster Conservancy, will present two seminars on native plants at the Community House during the tour. Ferich's presentations will be held at 1 and 3 p.m., and admission is included with a tour ticket. The First National Bank and Mulberry Thrill will also be open at 100 W. Market St. for tours and refreshments during the garden tour.

Proceeds from the garden tour and barbecue will benefit the Marietta Community House, a historic property now used by nonprofits and for private functions such as weddings. Work is underway to paint the exterior of the building, and funds from the tour will help pay for painting of the building's east side, Sullivan remarked.

Discount tickets are available for the tour through Friday, June 23, and may be purchased at Bron's Deli, 34 W. Market St., Marietta; Floral Designs of Mount Joy, 1599 W. Main St., Mount Joy; River Road Produce, 1835 River Road, Marietta; and Murphy's Mercantile and Co., 261 Locust St., Columbia. Full-price tickets will be available at the Marietta Community House on the day of the event.