History of the Gig Harbor Garden Tour

The Gig Harbor Garden Tour began in 1998. It was conceived by a group of passionate gardeners as a way for the community to share appreciation of the many wonderful gardens in Gig Harbor. After a founding member learned that her gardener could not read, the group also became passionate about adult literacy. They partnered with the Adult Basic Skills program at the Gig Harbor Branch of Tacoma Community College to invest tour proceeds in fostering literacy in adults of all ages. Tacoma Community College provided the administration and the dedicated volunteers provided all the support needed to actually put on the tour. The arrangement continued until 2011 when the Gig Harbor Garden Tour incorporated as a non-profit organization. They continued to support Adult Literacy efforts of TCC and also began supporting youth literacy through the Reach out and Read program of Pediatrics Northwest and Communities in Schools Peninsula. In 2013 TCC discontinued the Adult Literacy Program and the Gig Harbor Garden Tour Association began funding a variety of literacy programs in local schools and community organizations including the library and boys and girls club.