Tour Information

If there is any common thread connecting the extraordinary gardens on this year's tour, perhaps it is the many different ways we can enjoy a home's outdoor space. We see one garden used as a whimsical gallery of wonderful folk art and vintage collectables in a lush tropical beach-like setting of palms, banana plants, and bougainvilleas, evoking the rain forests of southern Mexico or Costa Rica. Another is an athletic playground with none of the harshness of concrete or asphalt. Instead it is a classic expanse of curves, flowers, and mature trees, with places for relaxing and dining after a friendly set of tennis. A formal estate hosts many sitting areas and an imaginative golf practice area.

Spending quality time with friends and family is the purpose of yet another garden with its sport court, sheltered outdoor living and dining room. The plantings here reflect undoubtedly lively and joyful gatherings: roses, graceful shrubs and a tidy fruit and vegetable garden. Our pre-paid lunch site is a vast homage to field and sky reminiscent of the American prairies with a new eco-friendly home at its center connecting the outdoors to interior spaces.

Throughout all our gardens, take a world tour through the vast variety of plants we are fortunate to be able to grow in our climate. The native California Oak and Sycamore are joined by Pittosporums from Australia, Citrus from the Near East, Pepper trees from South America, Aloes from Africa, roses and lavenders from Europe, Hydrangeas and Camellias from China and Japan. Let us celebrate them all.