Gardens open for visitors

Tours of gardens in four towns, a raffle, outdoor painting, and live music are part of the South Shore Natural Science Center's 28th Annual Garden Tour next Wednesday.

People who sign up for the tour will receive a map that lists the seven gardens in Norwell, Pembroke, Hanover, and Hanson, and they can visit the site in whatever order they wish.

The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and an artist will be painting "plein air," or out in the open, at each site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Musicians will perform at some of the gardens later in the afternoon.

Back at the science center's home base at 48 Jacobs Lane, refreshments will be served, and visitors can view the related art exhibit, "Through the Garden Gate.'' Raffle items will be on display at the center, and raffle tickets can be purchased there, or at the gardens at 33 Winter St. in Hanson, and 1527 Broadway in Hanover.

Tickets for the tour are $25 on Wednesday, or $20 in advance, and $18 for science center members. Money raised from the event will be used for the center's environmental education programs.

For more information, call 781-659-2559 or visit www.ssnsc.org.