See private gardens galore on these local tours
The last Saturday in April is prime garden time in Sacramento. No wonder this weekend is crowded with garden tours!
Fortunately, the weather looks like it will cooperate – but bring a coat or sweater (and maybe an umbrella, too).
A storm system will be passing through the Sacramento area in the wee hours of Saturday morning, headed for the Sierra. According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento will get very little if any precipitation from those clouds. “Slight chance of rain showers” – with probability of showers at only 20% – is forecast for Saturday morning, with no rain Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
But unlike this past week, temperatures will be under normal; Saturday’s forecast high for Sacramento is only 63 degrees – 10 degrees below average and more than 20 degrees cooler than Monday, April 21, when Sacramento reached 84 degrees.
Consider these lower temperatures invigorating – and get out and see some beautiful spring gardens. Here are some of the tour possibilities:
River Park Garden Tour: This is a bargain outing packed with inspiration. The River Park Garden Club hosts its 5th annual neighborhood tour featuring “Special Garden Spaces.” Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are only $5 and available on tour day, beginning at 9:45 a.m., at the table on the Caleb Greenwood School lawn, 5457 Carlson Drive, Sacramento.
What to expect? Here are some highlights, according to the organizers: “A skilled Master Gardener’s large ‘experimental’ garden includes many varieties of plants, deliberately native California species, set off by varied walkways, borders, fences, structures, and raised beds constructed by her husband. … Another garden exudes a cool Mid-Century vibe to compliment the house it sits behind. Strictly spare geometry sets the tone for beds and social spaces. … Yet another garden is made for entertaining. It spreads out around a pool with a naturalized rock waterfall.”
Children under 15 admitted free with an adult. No strollers or pets allowed in the gardens. An artists boutique will feature garden-oriented art and crafts.
Details: https://riverparkgardenclub.yolasite.com/
Gardens of Folsom Tour: The Folsom Garden Club presents its 23rd garden tour, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, rain or shine. Tour spotlights eight private gardens, plus two bonus gardens. Garden experts will be on site and artists will be painting in the gardens. Plant sale, bake sale and food truck, too, at the Murer House (1125 Joe Murer Court) in Folsom’s historic downtown. Proceeds benefit college scholarships and community projects. Tickets are $25, available online at the information link below, or in person day of tour at first garden, 106 Feather Falls, Folsom.
Details and tickets: https://www.folsomgarden.org/2025-annual-garden-tour/
Curtis Park Home & Garden Tour: A fundraiser for the Sierra 2 Center and produced by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association, this 35th annual tour celebrates the Curtis Park neighborhood including five homes of various styles, with unique indoor/outdoor entertainment and kitchen spaces. Tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of tour at a booth at the north end of Curtis Park, 26th Street and Donner Way. This family-friendly event features the Capitol A’s Model A Ford Club, which will tour vintage cars throughout the neighborhood. The north end of Curtis Park will feature food trucks, live music by Midtown Jazz, information displays, and picnic tables and chairs.
Details and tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/scnaevents/event/cphgt/ or www.Sierra2.org.
Huei’s Garden Tour: Find some peaceful inspiration while helping a local charity at Huei’s Garden, the one-of-a-kind feng shui garden oasis in Davis. Huei Young, who created her famous Davis garden at 234 Luz Place, will open her private garden Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to support Shriners Hospitals for Children. Suggested donation is $25 per person. Reservations are limited; email Huei to check for availability at hueis.garden@yahoo.com or call 916-453-2018.
