You are as welcome as the flowers in May. ” Charles Mackin
La Jolla has an endearing charm filled with scenic beauty and secret gardens that are hidden here and there throughout its many neighborhoods. Some of the gardens are hidden from view behind vine-covered walls, veiled in the growth of mature trees or peeking out from behind masses of flowers. Others are perched high atop oceanfront bluffs, or nestled in canyons, shrouded in privacy. If you happen upon one, it is sure to give you that “come hither” look, inviting your imagination to open its garden gate and wander down the pathway.
In 1998, my dear friend Susan Vandendriesse and I met for a cup of coffee to discuss how we could bring more awareness to the La Jolla Historical Society and inspire people to help preserve the character and charm of La Jolla. Susan put it simply, “When irreplaceable images of our seaside community are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, part of our history disappears forever.” These buildings, gardens and the stories behind them are our connection to our past and each other.”
We dreamed that by allowing the public to visit La Jolla’s treasured gardens and historic homes, they would come away inspired “” this was the beginning of the Secret Garden Tour, which has featured more than 60 homes and gardens.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 10, the tour will feature six cherished gardens throughout La Jolla in the continued tradition of keeping the garden locations a well-kept secret until tour day. Besides the beautiful spring gardens, live music will be featured, along with designers’ garden displays and artists painting the colorful garden scenes. All proceeds from the tour go to the La Jolla Historical Society to help the group preserve its irreplaceable archives and to augment the funds needed to preserve Wisteria Cottage, the society’s future home and community museum.
“The Secret Garden Tour showcases the best of Old La Jolla by giving tourgoers the opportunity to stroll the garden paths of historic homes in the various neighborhoods in the heart of Old La Jolla. It is our hope that this ‘hands-on’ experience of La Jolla’s history will foster an appreciation of the La Jolla Historical Society’s goal to preserve our community’s history,” said Betty Vale, 2007-08 Secret Garden chairwoman.
Purchase your tickets online at www.LaJollahistory.org,or call for recorded ticket information, (858) 726-0227. You can also go online to become a volunteer in one of the gardens. The garden tour’s Platinum Tour is already sold out. Self-guided tickets are still available, but sell out quickly weeks prior to the event.
I hope the Secret Garden Tour will lift your sprits this spring and inspire you to plant a garden of dreams and the seeds of preservation wherever you can.
” Linda is a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker who specializes in historic and architecturally designed homes. She is a co-founder of the Secret Garden Tour and enjoys working in her historic La Jolla garden (featured on the 2001 garden tour) every chance she gets. www.LindaMarrone.com. Voicemail: (858) 456-3224.
