Rail City Garden Center is hosting an edible garden event in support of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Washoe County Master Gardener Program 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., July 23-24.

"The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is essential to our local communities and our area's green industry," said Pawl Hollis, owner of Rail City Garden Center. "That is why we are holding this event."

Participants can choose to visit any or all of the featured gardens, including edible gardens and various examples of landscaping. The tour is self-guided and open to all ages. The goal is for participants to receive ideas and inspiration from the success of other local high-desert gardeners.

"Having my hideaway on display for last year's tour was a learning experience, not just for the people who came to see my small backyard garden, but also conversations went every direction and ended up benefiting me too," said Master Gardener Pamela Van Hoozer.

Proceeds from the tour will help the Master Gardeners create a demonstration garden at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno, as well as provide horticulture information to the community.

"Our hope is to be a stop on next year's tour, complete with Master Gardener volunteers on hand to answer questions and tell people more about our program," said Washoe County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator Wendy Hanson Mazet.

Tickets are $20 for one person and $30 for two people and include entry wristbands and a full-color tour guidebook. Children under age 12 are free. Tickets are on sale now through the end of the tour and can be purchased at Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way in Sparks.

For more information about the Rail City Garden Center, visit http://railcitygardencenter.com/. For more information about the Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program, visit http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/mastergardener/. To donate to the Master Gardeners, visit www.waterandrails.org/mastergardenersreno or www.unce.unr.edu/friends/donate.