It’s time to get gardening and fortunately, many time-honored events and tours are back to help you get started or inspired. 

May 1 

Lititz Historical Foundation Plant Exchange 

Held in conjunction with the Lititz Garden Club, the event is held in the Mary Oehme Gardens. The exchange is limited to perennials and they must be tagged. 145 E. Main St., Lititz. 1:30 p.m. (rain/shine). For details, visit lititzhistoricalfoundation.com. 

May 6-7 

The Herb & Garden Faire 

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum’s annual garden extravaganza is back! Vendors will be offering heirloom, native and hard-to-find plants, as well as other gardening needs. Landis Valley’s Heirloom Seed Project will be offering vegetable seeds and plants, as well. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Visit landisvalleymuseum.org for details.

May 7 

Master Gardeners … Ready, Set, Shop 

This annual plant sale is returning to its in-person format. Shoppers will find a wide selection of native, perennial, annual and pollinator plants, as well as herbs and tomato/pepper plants. Soil test kits will also be available for purchase. An educational booth will be in operation. Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. 8 a.m.-12 noon. For details, visit extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/lancaster. 

May 7

Plant & Garden Art Sale

This benefit for the Lancaster County Art Association, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, will feature annuals, perennials and shrubs – notably mini-sized crape myrtles – along with garden art, birdhouses, garden sculptures and more. 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit lcaaonline.org for details.

June 3 & 4 

Hospice & Community Care Plant Sale 

The Gilded Lily will be providing perennials, annuals, shrubs, vegetable plants, herbs, houseplants, hanging baskets and container gardens for this sale, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Hospice & Community Care. Friday, 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. The Essa Flory Center, 685 Good Dr., Lancaster. Visit hospiceandcommunitycare.org for details.

June 11 

Columbia Garden Tour 

Gardening and creative expression come together to provide a unique tour that takes participants to some of the borough’s iconic period homes as well as to newer residences. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit createcolumbia.org for details.

June 11-12 

Secret Gardens of Strasburg 

Sponsored by the Strasburg Heritage Society, the tour returns to its traditional June weekend. The tour will take participants to a wide range of homes and gardens in and around Strasburg. For details, visit strasburgheritagesociety.org.

June 11-19 

Philadelphia Flower Show 

For a second year, the show is being held outdoors in late spring. This year’s theme, “In Full Bloom,” will feature the work of 40 designers. In addition, the show will boast 100+ vendors, as well as food and drink areas. FDR Park, South Philadelphia. Visit phsonline.org for details. 

July 8 & 9 

Porches & Posies 

Twelve stops comprised of both English and Amish gardens in and around the Southern End of the county are on this year’s tour. Proceeds benefit Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary renovations. Advance tickets are
$15 through July 1 and $20 at the door. Hours: Friday, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 717-548-2763 for tickets. 

August 6 

Mount Gretna Tour of  Homes & Gardens 

The long-standing event – 36 years – takes visitors into the community’s famous cottages, as well as homes in newer neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit Gretna Music. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain/shine). Visit gretnamusic.org for details. 

October 9 

Garden Railways Tour 

Sponsored by the Railroad Museum of PA, the self-guided tour will take participants to homes where this unique merger of gardening and railroading has been transforming backyards all across the country. Visit rrmuseumpa.org for details. 

And, For Dog Lovers! 

May 7 

Mayfest in Maytown 

The Maytown Historical Society will be celebrating Maytown’s birthday – founded on May 1, 1760 – with dog and car shows, artist and historical demonstrations, family scavenger hunt, wedding vow renewals, quality vendors, cake walk and the traditional maypole dance. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. (rain/shine). For information, call 717-682-0953. 

May 21 

1st Annual Donegal Rotary Dog Fest 

The Donegal Rotary Club is sponsoring an event for dogs that will feature contests, vendors, demos by service dogs and K9 units and more. Proceeds will benefit Second Chance 4 Life Rescue, Susquehanna Service Dogs and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office K9 units. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chickies Creek Day Use Area btw Columbia and Marietta on Route 441. Visit donegalrotary.com for details. 

June 12 

Pet Fest 

Bring your furry friends to Clipper Magazine Stadium and watch the Barnstormers take on the Lexington Legends. Pet-focused businesses, veterinary practices, adoption organizations and more will also be on hand. Entertainment starts at 12 p.m. Visit lancasterbarnstormers.com for details.