Nestled in the woods of North Whidbey lies a quaint small town unknown to most other than its founders, Terry and Cora Hough.

The town won’t be found on any map or in any directory, but its tourist population is expected to boom quite soon.

The Hough’s home, and their realistic-looking old-time town, will be on display during the 16th Annual Oak Harbor Garden Tour and Tea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 15.

Each of the town’s buildings — a saloon, gas station, hardware store and boutique shop — was built by Terry Hough. Each was filled with the couple’s eclectic antique treasures and creative energy.

“We like showing the town off,” said Terry Hough.

The couple has been collecting various vintage goods for several years. Garage sales and estate sales are a treasure trove.

The town began with a 1927 gas pump that Terry Hough discovered while he and Cora Hough were living in Hawaii.

After taking two years to convince the previous owner to sell it to him, and two years to restore it, Terry Hough built the town’s first building, a gas station, to accompany his find.

“From there it just carried on,” said Terry.

The second building, the saloon, originally was built after Cora Hough’s request for a place to store her yarn and knitting materials. A curtain partitioned off a portion of the back end of the saloon to provide storage space.

Next was the hardware store, a place for Terry Hough to store his tools.

Ms. Kitty’s Emporium was built to hold Cora Hough’s expansive collection of Moon and Star glassware. The fine glass pieces now line the windows of the boutique-style shop, named after the couple’s cat. There have been several Ms. Kitties over the years, Cora Hough explained, and each has her picture hanging on the wall.

“I think that’s the main reason they asked us to do it; they were infatuated with the town,” Terry Hough said of the Oak Harbor Garden Club’s request to the couple’s property on the tour.

During the tour, visitors will be able to peak inside the building windows, although the screen doors will be closed.

In addition to their town, however, the Houghs have also cultivated a lush garden of tropical trees and brightly colored blossoms, which will also be featured during the tour.

The garden’s centerpiece is in the shape of the island of Maui, where the couple previously lived.

A miniature rendition of Kihei lines its outer edge.

“It’s a little bit of our home there, here” said Terry Hough.

Maintaining tropical flora can be difficult in winter, Terry Hough said, but it’s a worthwhile battle.

The garden is contained within a tall wooden fence in order to protect the blossoms from deer seeking a snack.

The Houghs keep a patch of grass growing a bit taller in order to offer the deer a grazing area in consolation.

The couple’s amicable relationship with the fauna surrounding their home is apparent in throughout the property. Terry Hough explained that he cleared as little as possible prior to building the home, and he and Cora Hough have incorporated small decorations throughout their property for a dash of whimsy.

The Houghs are one of six property owners to be featured on this year’s tour, which will include gardens located throughout the North Whidbey area.

A second garden to be featured is that of John and Therese Kingsbury, whose property also contains an eclectic collection of art and decor.

The Kingsbury’s garden features an aviary and butterfly garden as well as a pond.

Both Therese Kingsbury and the Houghs noted a particular challenge this year due to the warmer weather.

Harvest season for fruit plants, like the Hough’s blueberries and raspberries, came unusually early. Plants at the Kingsbury’s home, as well as some at the home of fellow garden tour participant Barbara Smith, bloomed early as well.

In order to combat the heat, Therese Kingsbury’s landscaping team used a number of ground covers and other drought-resistant varietals, as well as native plants.

The priority for head landscaper Brian Linson was to incorporate plants that highlight the Kingsbury’s collection of yard decor, which includes a few antiques as well as repurposed items Therese Kingsbury has made into bird baths and planters.

It’s a style he described as “Northwest eclectic.”

Advising those who may wish to establish such a garden of their own, Therese Kingsbury said, “dreaming for a couple of years is a good foundation.”

“I hope people are inspired,” she said.