Spring Garden Tours Inspire

Believe it or not, we’re still in the midst of spring. After experiencing an unusually warm winter, many flowers may have already reached their full bloom, but there are still plenty of opportunities to experience Northern California’s vibrant gardens. A number of events and tours make it easy to enjoy these displays – be it a natural occurrence of wildflowers or a meticulously planned lush landscape.

The Folsom Garden Club’s Annual Garden Tour allows the public to view six local gardens during their Gardens of Folsom Event April 26 & 27. The self-guided tour will have master gardeners on hand and address drought-tolerant solutions. A plant and bake sale will also be held.

The 16th Annual Land Park Garden and Tea Tour takes place Saturday May 3. This highly anticipated tour showcases seven gardens that truly made their homes stand out among an already beautiful neighborhood. A tea-luncheon is available and a fine arts festival boutique follows at Holy Spirit Church. www.hs-ps.com

The California Native Plant Society will hold its Wildflower Wonders May 3, at Elderberry Farms Native Plant Nursery in Rancho Cordova. The mini-expo will showcase native plants in their natural habitats of the greater Sacramento area. A number of speakers will take part in the event, and a Discovery Zone for Kidz and  native plant sale will go on throughout the day.

In Davis, Pence Gallery turns its appreciation of fine arts to local spring flora Sunday, May 4. The downtown gallery organizes an annual tour of six rural gardens in North Davis, with complimentary refreshments, silent auction, and plein air paintings by local artists.

The California Native Plant Society stays busy in May with their 4th annual Gardens Gone Native Tour Saturday, May 10. The self-guided tour guides green thumbs through 20 home gardens in and around Sacramento. www.sacvalleycnps.org

The Soroptimist International of the Sierra Foothills features a beautiful selection of homes and gardens in the Grass Valley area May 17 & 18. This 21st annual event never fails to impress with the possibilities (and challenges) of foothill landscaping.