About the Brandywine Valley Water Garden Tour and our Water Garden Host Guide
The Water Garden Tour spans two days and features various stunning water features and gardens. On Saturday evening, homeowners and tour participants are invited to Turpin Landscape on Martins Corner Road for a Barbecue, Silent Auction, 50/50, and live entertainment.
Responsibilities of a Host Homeowner
Homeowners are expected to prepare their property for the tour by tidying their lawns, weeding gardens, and ensuring their water features are fully operational. Hosts will receive two tour T-shirts to wear during the event to help visitors identify them. Pond tour yard signs will also be provided and should be placed at your driveway or entrance for easy location by participants.
Should I Be Home During the Tour?
We encourage hosts to be present during the tour to greet guests and share insights about their property. Your water feature should be accessible from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. If guests visit late on Saturday afternoon, kindly remind them that the barbecue begins at 6:00 PM and invite them to attend, as their ticket includes admission.
Refreshments and Restroom Availability
While some hosts choose to offer water or light snacks, it is not mandatory. If a visitor requests to use your bathroom, it is up to you, though we suggest directing them to nearby facilities like WAWA or Turkey Hill.
Parking Guidelines
The tour is self-guided, so expect only a few visitors at a time. Typically, no more than two or three cars will be present simultaneously. If you live in a neighborhood, most guests will park on the street. If you have specific parking areas or restrictions, please mark them clearly. Properties that are new or recently expanded may attract more visitors, so plan accordingly.
Common Questions from Tour Participants
Visitors often ask about water features and gardens. Here are some typical questions to prepare for:
– How old is your feature?
– Who built it?
– How much did it cost and what was included?
– What are the running costs (electricity, treatment, fish food)?
– Dimensions and capacity (gallons).
– Maintenance schedule.
– Types of plants and fish.
– Winter and seasonal care.
– How do you clean and maintain the pond?
– Size of the pump and backup plans for power outages.
– Animals that visit, including herons and deer.
Additional Tips for Hosts
Veteran hosts recommend sharing the story of your feature using before-and-after photos or albums listing various plants and fish. Keeping a visitor count can also be enjoyable, though it’s not required. Remember, not all visitors are comfortable around pets, so please keep them secured.
Saturday Evening Barbecue Details
The barbecue will proceed rain or shine, with tents available for cover. It runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and parking will be across from Turpin Landscape, with staff directing traffic. Handicapped parking will be in Turpin’s main lot; let the staff know if special accommodations are needed. All attendees must register and wear wristbands for entry. Your host T-shirt serves as your ticket, while guests must show theirs. The event features a silent auction (with cash, checks, and credit cards accepted) and 50/50 tickets (cash only). Dinner, drinks, and desserts will be served, with live music from a DJ. Restroom facilities and handwashing stations will be available on-site. The Chester County Food Bank will also be present, and Senator Andy Dinniman is expected to attend.
Pre-Tour Host Weekend
This pre-tour event allows hosts to visit other water gardens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You don’t need to be home, as hosts will be exploring as well. Use this time to take photos and enjoy the experience. If your garden isn’t ready for the host weekend, that’s okay—hosts understand the final touches may be ongoing.
Saturday Evening Host Party
To show our appreciation, a party will be held from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on Saturday night at one of the tour stops. It’s a chance to relax, share experiences, and enjoy music and refreshments. Host packets with yard signs, T-shirts, and tour maps will be distributed during the event. If you cannot attend, please inform us so arrangements can be made for you to collect your packet at Turpin Landscape.
If you have any questions about the Water Garden Host Guide, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make this a fantastic experience for everyone involved!
Contact Sarah Turpin for Assistance
Phone: 484.955.6676
Email: Sarah@TurpinLandscapeDesign.com
