Urban gardens and a military band will highlight the 68th annual West Avenue Garden Tour tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. The event is free to the public.

The narrow Fan District street features walled rear gardens, tree boxes and tiny street-front gardens. The blooming spaces are being judged today in categories including best container garden, best small garden and best tree box. The winners will sport awards and colorful flags for tomorrow's tour.

The event kicks off at noon with a children's parade, magician, entertainment and refreshments. To accommodate these activities, the 1100 block of West Avenue will be closed to traffic during the tour.

The self-guided walking tour, which begins at 1 p.m., features gardens of West Avenue, Park Avenue and Franklin Streets, with access in the alleys between these streets.

The U.S. Navy Fleet Jazz Ensemble will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Birch and West avenues.

For more information, visit the West Avenue Web site at www.westave.org. -- Julie Young