From labyrinth to tea rose garden, from bowered getaways to gardens teeming with fresh produce, the Beaufort County Community College Foundation’s garden tour is set to wow horticulture fans on June 20.

The garden tour is a new addition to Foundation fundraisers, and the money raised will be used to provide scholarships for BCCC students. As a show of support for the community college, gardening homeowners throughout Washington and Chocowinity will open their yards for the self-guided tour, and the response from the public has been extremely positive.

“Heavens, yes, it’s been amazing because people are very excited about it,” said Serena Sullivan, BCCC Foundation director. “People are over the moon about it. We get calls almost daily.”

It’s not only the response from ticket buyers that Sullivan has been impressed with: the number of gardeners who have volunteered their properties as part of the fundraising effort has been just as enthusiastic. The tour was originally planned for 10 gardens, but organizers had to cut off the number of volunteered gardens at 14 in order to allow visitors plenty of time to get to all gardens, at their own paces. While garden owners weren’t required to be present for the tour, Sullivan has found that they’ve volunteered to do that as well.

“As far as I know, every homeowner will be there to discuss their gardens,” Sullivan said. “They’re proud of what they have and they want to share it.”

Gardens featured run the gamut of formal rose gardens framed by American boxwoods, free-flowing riverside gardens and a vegetable garden that is on track to produce plenty. One large garden, water element included, is contained within a backyard deck; another is a picture-perfect flowering park, complete with benches tucked away in serene nooks and crannies, tucked behind an East Main Street home. All of them display a dedication to, and mastery of, gardening.

Which garden stands out most is likely a matter of opinion.

“You know, it’s hard to say because they are all so different. I can’t say one is more impressive than the other,” Sullivan said.

The tour will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is self-guided, though the Foundation has procured four vans to take ticket holders at a slight additional cost. Sullivan said there are a few seats left on the vans. The Foundation will provide step-by-step driving instructions, with photos of the homes, to direct ticket holders along the tour.

To purchase tickets for the event, call Marcia Norwood at 252-940-6218 or Serena Sullivan at 252-940-6236. Beaufort County Community College is currently operating on summer hours and is closed on Fridays. Tickets will also be available on June 20, at 721 W. Main St., Washington, and 102 Saint Johns Court, Cypress Landing, Chocowinity. Those picking up last-minute tickets are asked to bring exactly $20 in cash.