U.S. Botanic Garden The Regional Garden at the new National Garden features trees, shrubs and other plants native to the Mid-Atlantic.

Tomorrow, the gates will swing open on the new National Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.

Visitors will find six distinct areas on the three-acre site at the foot of Capitol Hill:

Lawn Terrace -- a formal space linking the botanic garden conservatory and the new outdoor garden.

Rose Garden -- showcases more than 100 roses representing the eight types grown today.

Butterfly Garden -- contains colorful nectar plants that lure local and migrating butterflies (and other pollinating insects).

First Ladies Water Garden -- features flowers and plants that mark contributions that First Ladies have made.

Regional Garden -- a large planting of native perennials, shrubs and trees by a stream.

Open-air amphitheater -- gathering place for educational programs at the western end of the National Garden.

South Hills house tour

Wesley Spectrum's Tour of Homes will feature five houses in Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair and Nevillewood, open from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Tickets $25, are available at houses on the tour (on view at www.wesleyspectrum.org) or at Miller's Hardware in Bethel Park and Peters, Treehouse in Upper St. Clair and Gifted or Blooming Dahlia, both in Mt. Lebanon.

Admission includes tea and refreshments at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park. Proceeds benefit Wesley Spectrum, which provides educational, mental/behavioral and family support services.

Sewickley antique show

The seventh annual Sewickley Valley Antiques Show will be held Friday through Oct. 8 at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley.

Thirty exhibitors from eight states will offer fine furniture, jewelry, textiles, art and more. The preview party, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $65 per person.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8. Tickets are $10.

The show is managed by Jack Squires and benefits the Child Health Association of Sewickley. Information: 412-741-2593.

Shadyside house tour

Most of us get to admire Shadyside's stately homes only from afar. On Oct. 8 we can take a peek inside a few on the 28th annual Shadyside House Tour.

Seven private homes of varying architectural styles and sizes will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The self-guided tour begins at the Winchester Thurston School, 555 Morewood Ave.; participants can walk or catch a complimentary trolleys.

Advance tickets, $15, are available at Eureka! Chocolates and Gifts, 735 Copeland St., or Arhaus, 235 S. Highland Ave. Tour-day tickets, $20, are available at Winchester Thurston. Information: www.shadysideaction.org or call 412-361-3771.

Orchid festival

The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania will hold its annual Orchid Festival next weekend at the Drew Mathieson Greenhouse at the Bidwell Training Center, Manchester.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8. There is no admission and parking is free. Eight vendors will be on hand selling orchids and related supplies as well as artworks.