From Water Features to Native Plantings, Garden Tour Offers Fresh Ideas
Wednesday April 15, 2026
WICHITA — The annual Garden Tour returns for 2026, offering a curated look at six thoughtfully designed private landscapes across the Wichita area. Hosted by the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners, this year’s tour highlights practical and creative approaches to gardening, including water-wise design, habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and the integration of both ornamental and edible plantings. Each garden presents its own perspective—from lakeside settings with water features and drainage solutions, to native plant landscapes, shaded retreats, and artful residential spaces designed for everyday living.
The Garden Tour will be open for three days only: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 7 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, and children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult.
This family-friendly event offers ideas for gardeners of all experience levels. Visitors will see a range of features including ponds, dry creek beds, and water features; native grasses and drought-tolerant plantings; shade gardens anchored by mature trees; and inviting outdoor living spaces with seating, pergolas, and garden art. Several gardens also incorporate edible elements such as vegetable beds, grapevines, and fruit trees alongside ornamental plantings.
All plants will be labeled, and Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be on-site at each location to answer questions and share research-based gardening information.
Advance tickets are available for $10.00 per person at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center at 21st & Ridge Road and online at: www.sedgwick.ksu.edu/gardentour. Online tickets can be presented at any of the gardens during the tour (June 5th- 7th) and will be exchanged for a physical ticket. Tickets will also be available at the gardens on the days of the Tour for $10 each (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers’ educational community outreach programs throughout Sedgwick County.
For additional ticket or event information, please contact the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center at 316-660-0100. View the event flyer here.
Featured Gardens:
Where Water Wanders
Take your inspiration on this property from multiple stunning water views! This garden is nestled on a community lake with fountains, a babbling brook feature, and pond that together create many vantage points to view numerous waterfowl. Multiple seating areas let you soak in the vistas along with giving you great ideas for hardscaping your own gardens. This garden also demonstrates a creative drainage solution with its dry creek. Along the way, admire the many ornamentals and perennials to help frame your favorite water scenes.
Gardens of Wonder and Whimsy
Here you’ll find subtle thoughtful themes that create pocket gardens full of whimsy. A wonderfully eclectic collection of everyday items will have you re-imagining your own objects into garden art. Every plant has its place in such a way that you must look twice to spot the vegetable garden, pool, and many smaller hidden treasures throughout this space. The delicate balance of art and plant materials is inspiring – what will you use in your garden after seeing this one?
Charming Cottage Garden with Cozy Gathering Spaces
College Hill charm will greet you as you exit your car and make your way into the coziest garden on the tour. The front yard patio and pergola demonstrate how to make a seemingly public space private and serene while adding instant curb appeal. A variety of annuals and perennials are mixed to support pollinators and provide pops of color against the hardscaping. Multiple seating areas invite you to cozy up and relax in this urban oasis.
Shady Oak Retreat
A long, inviting sidewalk leads to this classic Tudor-style home. Large iron window boxes brimming with colorful annuals adorn the sills around the house, adding charm to every view. The backyard offers a cool, shaded retreat that showcases the beauty of a shade garden. A magnificent mature Pin Oak presides over lush plantings of hostas, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and a selection of woody trees and shrubs.
A Celebration of Water, Rock and Colorful Plantings
The stone and brickwork surrounding this home and garden evoke the timeless charm of Tuscany. Garden areas flourish throughout the property: in-ground beds brimming with hydrangeas and hardy hibiscus, a vibrant array of containers showcasing bright annuals and tropicals. Playful, brightly colored rooster sculptures add a sense of fun to the landscape. The backyard features a unique raised garden bed filled with seasonal vegetables, while a diverse collection of deciduous and evergreen trees frames the property.
A Sprawling Country Native Garden
This expansive garden showcases an impressive diversity of plantings: drought tolerant perennials, colorful annuals, and native grasses, including an impressive buffalograss lawn. A variety of food sources are grown that cater to an abundance of wildlife, including grapevines, sand plums, and a pecan grove. The entire property is designed as a water-wise landscape, incorporating French drains, a retention pond, and drip irrigation for smart water management. The property also includes a tranquil meditation bench centered around a brick labyrinth which is surrounded by waving native grasses. A cedar lined path creates a calming and cooling escape from the heat of the day.
Source
Abbey Draut, Horticulture Agent
316-660-0142
abbeyd@ksu.edu