Spring is here and many people are just beginning to plant their gardens. The 11th annual Point Garden Walk, however, will entice gardeners, nature lovers and philanthropists the opportunity to tour the already-cultivated, gorgeous gardens of the La Playa neighborhood in Point Loma. The self-guided walking tour starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 28. Maps will be distributed at the event’s starting point, 327 San Fernando St. Participants can choose their own pace and route. There will be complimentary water and small snacks provided by Barons Market and other goodies like cookies from Cardamom Cafe and Bakery will be on sale. Although street parking is available, carpooling is suggested because spaces are limited and the tour can be done on foot. “We decided to do a garden walk since our unit’s members are mostly in Point Loma,” said Gail Parker, chairwoman of the Dana Auxiliary Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital, which will play host to the event. “This was unique for us. It was something that our members wanted to work on. We all have gardens and like to do that sort of thing.” Each year of the garden walk features new homes in a new area of Point Loma. Each garden is as unique as its owners, with every kind of inspiring scenery: waterfalls and fountains to outdoor rooms, canyon decks and other whimsical enhancements. The homes featured will not be revealed until the morning of the walk, but organizers said the diversity of each garden is what makes the tour so fun and fascinating. While walking through La Playa, participants will pass Hope Community Garden. “Here in this most lovely neighborhood, there is one whole lot that provides 16 garden plots where residents are raising food, with excess going to the San Diego Food Bank,” Parker said. New this year is the “Suzy’s Zoo” corner, which will be situated in one of the featured gardens. Special items from Suzy Spafford’s collection will feature loveable characters like Witzy, the fluffy duckling. Witzy, who is the garden walk’s official mascot, will be waddling around throughout the day to say “hello” and be available for pictures. The tour raises funds to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Ticket sales from the annual fundraiser specifically support the Craniofacial Services Department at the hospital, which is made up of internationally recognized surgeons and doctors who treat debilitating conditions like cleft lip and other facial deformities resulting from trauma or birth defects. The Dana Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries is a nonprofit organization that has been working with the Craniofacial Services Department since the group was founded. Its monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities are ideal for busy women who want to support the hospital and health center. The group has worked under the supervision of Renee Buchhauser, a local businesswoman and artist, to create the whimsical items featured in the Point Loma Garden Walk’s popular boutique. “I love our boutique. In fact, it’s getting quite a reputation,” Parker said. “We work all year making things. There are handmade specialties, whimsical garden art and planters.” The artisan creations will be on sale during the event along with special plant sales, herb gardens, furniture, plant stands and other items. As part of this year’s partnership with “Suzy’s Zoo,” the boutique will also feature exclusive geraniums, specially grown by Jim Zemcik. Each year, the event brings in about $40,000 for Rady Children’s Hospital. Parker said she thinks this year will be even better because of the “Suzy’s Zoo” corner and the addition of the Dana Diamond Tour, which runs $150 a person and includes an exclusive private tour, sparkling refreshments, specialty-gift bags and a gourmet lunch. Regular tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at www.pointlomagardenwalk.com, or in person at Walter Andersen Nursery in Point Loma and Poway, Mission hills Nursery on Fort Stockton Drive, Southern Accents in Ocean Beach, Green Gardens Nursery in Pacific Beach and Armstrong Garden Center on West Morena Boulevard. For tickets or information, call (619) 518-8663, or visit www.pointlomagardenwalk.com.