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As I wrote in an earlier column, I've decided to help reduce my personal carbon footprint by using public transportation as much as I can.

I've also been walking as often as possible in order to get around, which in East York is very practical given the number of local stores and services that one can patronize on foot.

Walking brings with it a very enjoyable side-benefit that comes with slowing down.

That is the enjoyment of the profusion of private flower gardens that are now in full bloom as we move from summer into the fall season.

It must be our winters that make people in East York such avid amateur gardeners, many of whom are recognized as amongst the best in North America.

Truly it is a pleasure to walk about the streets in my neighbourhood and see the work that has been done with people's gardens.

A lot of hard work and thought has often gone into each home's personal statement about their horticultural preferences.

However, gardening in East York is not an easy task.

This is due to the area's natural history, which has included being at the bottom of a lake some 12,500 years ago when a glacier was retreating.

As a result many people have to bring in their own top soil in order create a garden and then need to plan on how to keep that soil from washing away.

Today, conscientious East York gardeners are abandoning harmful chemical pesticides in favour of natural green techniques, which do take more effort.

However, the reward for most people is simply to see their neighbours taking time to get out and enjoy viewing these wonderful spots.

This helps to keep our community such a pleasant place to live.

While there are many public places where one can see good gardening in the former borough, there are many others that are restricted due to being private.

As a result, some of the best examples of the art and science of gardening goes unseen.

Fortunately, due to the efforts of the East York Garden Club, a self-guided tour of many of these private gardens has been organized.

Starting at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6, ticket holders for the event will be able to visit up to 10 private gardens located in East York. Each of these locations offers a variety of settings, including ravines, a pond, rock gardens along with a few surprises.

The owners of these gardens must be thanked for being generous in offering this opportunity to see their skills.

Tickets cost $10 per person, so get yours now because this is not an annual event and it may be several years before the next opportunity.

You can pick up the tickets for the event at Peter's Paint and Paper at 1062 Coxwell Ave., Bill's Garden Centre at 903 Pape Ave., and Grassroots at 372 Danforth Ave.

For further information, contact the East York Garden Club at gardentour@eygc.ca.