NORWAY — A tour of six local, private gardens, including an extensive garden over 40 years old considered one of the best in western Maine, will be offered Sunday, July 29.

Called “The Colors of Sun and Shade,” the tour of both sunny and cool shade gardens will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each garden was designed and is tended by the owners.

The tender of the four-decades old garden was inspired by Bernard McLaughlin and got divisions from him. Another large garden surrounding a house has colorful flowers but also places to play. A smaller in-town yard has space for flowers, vegetables and chickens. A collector’s country garden showcases garden artifacts, including armillary spheres, farm tools and other items positioned among the perennials and shrubs. An old apple farm has a cottage garden with touches of whimsy. Another antique farmhouse has a garden fitting with its surroundings. Each reflects the taste and care of its creator.

Tickets for the tour, organized byMcLaughlin Garden with assistance from Roberts Farm, are $12 in advance, $15 day of the tour. Tickets may be ordered at the McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St., South Paris; or call 743-8820. Tickets will be sold the day of the tour at Roberts Farm Preserve, 64 Roberts Road, just off Route 117 near the rest area on Norway Lake.