Garden tour offers trolley loop to garden treasures

RANCHO SANTA FE — The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club has announced a new twist to its tradition of showcasing to the public a select few estate gardens each year.
Rambling thorough the Ranch — Garden Tour and Open Air Market is the newly adopted theme. The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 7, is co-chaired by members Janet Lawless Christ and Barry Zarling.
With a fun and fresh approach, new logo, and a very smart “tours by trolley” approach, the volunteer group is taking on what hopes to be a great new annual tradition.
“We realized that transportation from estate to estate was one of our toughest challenges. We had feedback that told us people did not want their experience in each garden to be restricted to the schedule of a big bus. Partnering with Old Town Trolley was an easy solution,” said Helen DiZio, president of the Garden Club. “We are delighted that Janet and Barry are off and running and have formed an impressive volunteer team.”
In order to promote an intimate experience, a limited number of guests will come and go to the estate gardens during a five-hour period at their leisure, hop on and hop off the open air trolleys, which will run a continuous loop of the properties. The tour will start and stop at the Garden Club clubhouse, situated near the center of the village.
“Each garden is only five minutes away from the next, so the ride will be fun and an enjoyable way to experience the natural botanical color of Rancho Santa Fe,” DiZio said. Ample street parking is available at the Garden Club as well at the nearby school.
This year there are six estate-sized home gardens for participants to experience.
“We believe these six gardens epitomize the beautiful agrarian nature of Rancho Santa Fe. Live music played by local artists at each garden will round out the entire lyrical experience,” said Janet Christ, event co-chair.
The six gardens depict the lush plant and topographical diversity of Rancho Santa Fe; majestic vistas, canyon rock expanses, gentle rolling fields and winding roads. Because these are large estates, there is bit of walking; flat-soled shoes are encouraged. Properties can only be accessed via the Trolley, which is included in the price of the ticket. There is no parking at the various garden properties.
Also new this year is an Open Air Market on the grounds of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club that will stay open until 4 p.m. The market is open to all visitors, whether or not they are going on the garden tour. Plans are to feature 40 vendors for home, garden, arts, food and craft.
Tickets in advance may be purchased for $30 by sending a check to the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, P.O. Box 483 Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067, which will be available at “will call” on May 7. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $40. The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club is at 17025 Avenida de Acacias, at the corner of La Granada in the village of Rancho Santa Fe.
Visit ranchosantafegardentour.com for more information on ticketing, sponsorship and vendor information.