CHARLESTON -- In conjunction with this weekend's Blenko Glass Festival, glass enthusiasts and others will have a rare opportunity to tour a yard that features more than 5,000 pieces of Blenko glass.

The home of master gardeners and koi pond hobbyist is located at 506 Swarthmore Ave., in Charleston. The self-guided tour of the glass garden will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight and from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The yard features a small water garden, a large selection of perennials, spa, eight unique beds each surrounded by Blenko Glass, colored architectural brick, stepping stones that are Blenko Glass ashtrays, a birdbath and more. The perennial beds have borders of glass in colors that complement the flowers that bloom.

The Blenko Glass Festival will take place at the Milton facility Aug. 22-23. It is a celebration of Blenko that will feature workshops, demonstrations, limited-edition pieces and more.

For more information, go online to www.blenkoproject.org or check out Hillary Homburg's "Heart of Glass" blog on www.herald-dispatch.com.