FIRST REPORT, 12:42 PM: Nine local homes have hundreds of visitors trekking through their front and/or back and/or side yards today on the West Seattle Garden Tour, continuing through 5 pm. We just visited a featured stop north of Morgan Junction, where even this bit of water looked invitingly cooling.

Wherever you go, stop to admire the smallest details – like the mix of colors here in this tiny patch of peppers:

The WSGT (with co-sponsors including WSB) is a unique fundraiser – proceeds are split among local nonprofits; this year’s beneficiaries will be ArtsWest, CityFruit, Plant Amnesty‘s Urban Forest Symposium, Seattle Chinese Garden Society, Lettuce Link, Southwest Seattle Historical Society, and the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. (Arts-, horticulture-, and education-related nonprofits can find out here how to apply for consideration.)

SECOND REPORT, 5:31 PM: We stopped by another garden on the tour, this time in Westwood. Many wonderful touches, both in the plants and the art/decorations:

One of the signature features of the West Seattle Garden Tour is that so many of the featured gardens are charming yet not imposing – you can appreciate the creativity and take away an idea or two.

This year’s tour is now over – watch for word of 2016 plans!