While area flora fanatics must wait until July 17th for the 17th Annual West Seattle Garden Tour, the 10 featured gardens have been chosen.

"Our reason for wanting publicity now is that we could really use more members and we would like people to know that it is a fun group with great food and wine at our meetings," said Bill Hibler, sponsorship chair.

There are now 25 to 30 volunteers. That number doubles during the tour itself.

"The tour is a 12-month long event that raises money to support local organizations," he added. "We want to emphasize that 100- percent of net proceeds stay in the community to support education, sustainability and gardening. In 2010 we distributed over $23,000 to local organizations.  Our goal for 2011 is $25,000.
 
"Our 2011 tour will include the Coleman Estate as well as five homes together in one neighborhood."

The West Seattle Garden Tour's sponsors accounted for over half last year's revenue, and seeks sponsors for its 2011 tour, including both cash sponsorship and in-kind business donations.

Last year's beneficiaries included ArtsWest, the Duwamish Longhouse wetlands garden, Highland Park Elementary School garden and arts projects, Seattle Tilth, and South Seattle Community College Arboretum. This year's beneficiaries have not yet been identified.

To get involved, go to: www.westseattlegardentour.com