This popular community event returns to reveal the beauty of eight private gardens in Davis, which are lusher than ever due to this winter’s rainfall. Several gardens include low-water landscaping. This day will have information on gardening from UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County, and of course, the garden owners themselves. The Tour can be completed via bike, with two gardens in South Davis, four in West Davis, and two in central/East Davis.

Whether visitors come via car or bike, the gardens this year are sure to amaze. Highlights include a Japanese rock garden with teahouse, a picturesque garden overlooking Stonegate Lake, and beautiful gardens surrounding a large pool. This year’s tour also includes creative examples of garden art, two large gardens in the Willowbank neighborhood, and gardens designed by landscape designers Michael Glassman, Chris Corbett, and Tara Watt.

During the event, talk with painters Marlene Lee, Janet Crittenden, Anne Lincoln, Deborah Hill, Barbara Smithson, Rebecca Ryland, Marie-Therese Brown, and Naomi Bautista as they create colorful landscape paintings in the gardens. At the Pence Gallery, visitors can bid on restaurant certificates, spa services, vacation rentals, and lovely gift items in the silent auction. Freshly-baked cookies, lemonade, and other treats will be available for ticket holders at this site.

This fundraiser is organized by the Garden Tour committee to support the Pence’s education and exhibit programs. Last year, the Pence served over 19,000 visitors, including 1,500 children and youth through education programs.