Artists are set to ditch their studios for the weekend and set up shop in some local country gardens instead.

It’s all part of the biennial Art in the Garden event, run by the Alexandra Community Arts Council.

Loretta Bush, one of the team of organisers, told The Central App it’s a garden tour with a difference. Each time the tour is completely different, and this year the gardens are all centered around the Letts Gully Road area.

“It’s about beautiful gardens filled with different artists and performers.”

Artists will be dotted among the gardens, working alongside other exhibitors and musical performers, she said. There are newly established gardens, old gardens and also a ‘dry’ garden.

“It’s just a really cool time, and there’s something to appeal to everyone.”

Landscape artist Debbie Malcolm will be back to work al fresco in this year’s Art in the Garden event.

People will be able to watch and chat with artists working on their art in the garden settings, and that was pretty unique, she said.

“We get some artists who keep coming back, and also a number of new artists this year.”

For those who would like a refreshment stop on the way, Loretta said wine tasting with a platter will be an option at Grey Ridge, and the Central Otago Cake Decorators club will also be offering refreshments as a fundraiser.

“Mackie’s Garden Centre is also offering discounts for ticket holders.”

Money raised from ticket sales went to the local community, Loretta said.

“We put much of it back into the community. We fund art scholarships and do work with young people.”

The popular 'Ukes in Thyme' will entertain again in one of the gardens.

Loretta said previous recipients include Alexandra potter Kathi McLean, who used the scholarship to attend a workshop in Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, learning primitive firing methods.

Local photographic artist Annemarie Hope-Cross was another recipient. Her scholarship helped her to travel to the UK and learn more about historic photographic processes.

“Emma Hutton wanted to further her studies in dance, and the scholarship allowed her to go to Auckland to do that,” Loretta said.

“There’s been a wide variety of local people who have benefitted from the scholarships and been able to take up opportunities.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout on the weekend to help us keep those art scholarships going.”

The two-day event kicks off tomorrow. Tickets give access to the gardens on both days, so people can choose different performers to watch and enjoy.

Tickets are available for purchase online, or at Mackie’s Garden Centre on the weekend.

For more information visit Art in the Garden

Photos Facebook/Alexandra Community Arts Council