Now in its 18th year, the La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla has come a long way from the day Susan Vandendriesse and I met to discuss how we could bring more awareness to the historical society. The first tour took place in April of 1999, and today, Susan and I are pleased to see that the tour has become a much-anticipated perennial event that attracts hundreds of people each spring not only to enjoy the beautiful gardens but also to learn more about our community’s rich history. Scheduled for Saturday, May 14th, this year’s tour promises to be another memorable event that will allow you to wander through the private gates of six cherished La Jolla gardens. The tour tradition has been to keep the garden locations a secret until the day of the tour, but I can tell you that this year’s event will highlight gardens that feature outdoor living rooms, the ultimate way to enjoy our California climate and to enjoy nature. These gardens are sure to inspire you to create an outdoor living environment of your own. As in past years, the tour offers a potpourri of gardens in a variety of styles, each adored with designers’ touches and enhanced with live music from a variety of musicians. Artists will also be in the gardens painting memorable garden scenes. This year’s tour poster features a Muirlands garden scene painted by Ken Goldman during the 2015 tour. In addition to the tour, the Secret Garden Boutique will be held on the grounds of historic Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., and it will be open to the public throughout the day. The boutique will feature a collection of gardening accessories, plants and gifts from various vendors known for their special artistic style and craftsmanship. Wisteria Cottage will also be open, and you can enjoy an exposition featuring the work of painter, craftsman and teacher William Newport Goodell. Reservations are available for either the Self-Guided Tour ($50 for nonmembers, $40 for society members) or the Platinum Tour ($150 for nonmembers, $140 for society members).The Platinum Tour offers brunch at a private club, docent-guided shuttle service to the gardens and a tour of a special garden open to Platinum patrons only. If you are not a member of the society, now is a great time to join to receive your discount on tickets. Plan to secure your reservations for either tour, which can be made online at the society’s website, lajollahistory.org. You may also call at (858) 459-5335.
