From whimsical backyard retreats and wildlife habitats to a tranquil Japanese-inspired landscape, nine distinctive gardens opened their gates Saturday as the Parkland Garden Club celebrated its 27th annual Garden Tour.

Held rain or shine, the tour drew visitors throughout Allentown, South Whitehall Township, Upper Milford Township and Emmaus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Despite intermittent showers, gardeners embraced the weather.

This year’s “Star-Spangled Gardens” theme honored America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Visitors purchased advance tickets at Lehigh Valley garden centers before embarking on a self-guided tour showcasing a variety of gardening styles and philosophies.

At the first stop, Penny Holman welcomed guests to the whimsical garden she has developed over the past 40 years. Filled with sculptures and colorful plantings, the landscape reflects her playful approach to gardening and her belief that gardens should bring joy as well as beauty.

The Peace Garden at Jordan United Church of Christ offered a different experience. Designed to encourage reflection, inspiration and action, the property includes the Main Garden, Spring Hill, Circle of Fire, Inspiration Garden, Evergreen Trail and Vesper Vale.

At stop No. 5, Sandie and Durwood Hamil shared a simple gardening goal: “We want something blooming from the last snow to the first frost.” Their garden bursts with color, fragrance and texture throughout the growing season.

Among the tour’s most memorable stops was the Japanese-inspired garden of Paul and Anne Nahodyl in Upper Milford Township. “I wanted a garden with a minimum of Western influence,” Paul Nahodyl said. He said traditional Japanese gardens help visitors “transition from the outside world” into a peaceful environment.

Master Gardeners Geoff and Wenda Boyer opened their certified National Wildlife Habitat. “We wanted it to look natural and be interesting in all four seasons,” they said.

Although the gardens varied in size and style, their owners shared a common message. Maintaining the landscapes is a labor of love, and gardening offers benefits that extend beyond appearance. The annual tour continues to inspire visitors by demonstrating that every garden tells a story through both its plants and the people who nurture them.