You are as welcome as the flowers in May. — Charlie Macklin Can you think of a better way to spend a springtime day than in a garden surrounded by nature? On Saturday, May 9, for the 11th consecutive year, the La Jolla Historical Society’s “Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla” will be adding another chapter to its growing history. This year’s tour will take you to several of La Jolla’s most cherished neighborhoods, where you will find gardens filled with history as well as newer gardens that are working on creating their history for the future. While the gardens will remain a secret until tour day, I thought I would give you a little glimpse into what secrets will be unveiled in this year’s seven gardens… As you walk through its garden gates, one of the gardens will immediately transport you to Italy with its carefully chosen statuary, plants and color scheme. Another garden, the home of a well-known interior designer, is the ultimate secret garden. Hidden from view, the garden boasts a long and colorful history. The whimsy of childhood fantasies and activities has been incorporated into several garden designs, and two historically designated properties from the 1920s feature a garden that complements their homes’ classic Mediterranean and Spanish architectural styles. Finally, a meandering pathway will lead you into a secluded hillside/canyon garden that features fruit trees, herbs and other natural plantings that were all carefully chosen to complement the environment. Besides the self-guided tour, there is also a Platinum Tour, which includes the seven gardens plus a very special oceanfront garden that will be open for this special tour only. On the special Platinum Tour, buses will transport you to the garden locations and brunch will be served at the Darlington House, one of La Jolla’s treasured historic sites. Besides the lovely gardens, you will also be treated to designers’ imaginative table settings and displays in each garden as well as music provided by myriad musicians. Artists will also be painting scenes, and one of the paintings from this year’s tour will be chosen to grace the 2010 garden tour poster and program. This year’s poster and program features a charming hummingbird painting by artist Jane Fletcher that she painted in an Upper Hermosa garden during last year’s tour. I am proud to be one of the co-founders of the tour with my dear friend, Susan Vandendriesse, who helped create the tour based on one she had heard about in Cape Cod. Both Susan and I are very pleased to see how a small committee of only six people has grown into one with over 30 members. The committee led by chairperson Betty Vale has spent countless hours to keep the successful tradition of the garden tour alive. All the proceeds from the tour benefit the La Jolla Historical Society. Currently, the Society is involved in many worthwhile endeavors as it works to “build a future for La Jolla’s past.” Stop by Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., and see what exciting restoration projects are planned for both the enchanting cottage and its grounds. A revered local landmark, the cottage will not only become a new headquarters for the Society but also house a museum that will be shared with the community. Tickets are available, and remember to plan ahead since the tour usually sells outs weeks before the tour date. For more information, call the Society for a recorded message, (858) 459-5335, or go to the informative website www.LaJollaHistory.org. Another tour to get you in the mood for spring is the eighth annual Weidners’ Gardens and Ecke Ranch Garden Tour and Plant Sale that will be held Saturday, April 18. The tour will feature five gardens located in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Encinitas and Carlsbad. Admission will also include entry into the Spring Plant Sale at Ecke Ranch. Proceeds benefit the Community Resource Center. For information call (760) 230-6305 or visit www.crcncc.org. — Linda is a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker who specializes in historic and architecturally designed homes. She’s the owner of a historic La Jolla home and garden, and you will find her working in her garden every chance she gets. Go to: www. LindaMarrone.com and take a tour of Linda’s garden.