CRANBERRY TWP - Rick and Michele Hvizdak want to lead you down a garden path … the one in their backyard, that is.

The Hvizdak's Cranberry Township gardens were recently showcased as part of the 2004 Open Gardens Day self-guided tour. The event was held by the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania and encompassed gardens in the northern and eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.

The Hvizdaks' gardens thrive under themes incorporating statuary, whimsies and natural beauty. Water is featured in many of the settings to incorporate sound and movement.

Plants in the gardens tend to be perennials. The Hvizdaks take bloom time into careful consideration so that there is always a splash of color throughout the season.Around each corner is a discovery of excitement. A private nook, perhaps used for some contemplative thinking, stands out among other special places. Also featured are play areas for the couple's children and picnic areas for all to enjoy.However, the Hvizdaks aren't done yet. Several projects are underway.Perhaps interested onlookers on the garden tour took home some of the landscape and gardening ideas for their own personal plots.Proceeds from the Open Gardens Day tour went toward funding for the establishment of The Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania.