Brilliant blooms and elaborate sprays of color will be the order of the day as the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum presents the annual Beyond the Garden Gate Valley Garden Tour, from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 14.
The tour begins at the museum, where each participant will be given a driving map to the featured properties. The tour features several gardens throughout the valley, which will showcase bright, colorful flowers in bloom. The tour will also feature attractive gardens built with water conservation in mind.
After the flower-gazing, enjoy an appetizer and wine reception back at the museum, where special raffle prizes will be drawn. Garden tour ticket holders will be entered into the raffle when they return to the museum.
The event is sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, 3596 Sagunto St., in Santa Ynez. All proceeds from the tour will be used for museum upkeep and maintenance.
“This wonderful spring tour is a great afternoon activity for everyone,” said Vicky Krost, Garden Tour chairperson. “Attendees can pick up some new gardening tips and enjoy spectacular private gardens that are open only for this special tour.”
Tickets cost $30, and advanced purchase is recommended. For more information, call 688-7889 or 688-8194 or visit santaynezmuseum.org.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone knows how her garden grows. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2011.