If you’ve been missing the annual garden tour sponsored by Valley Churches United like I have, you’re in luck. This year you have the opportunity to visit six unique and inspiring garden in and near Scotts Valley. Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by strolling through a beautiful local garden? Plus the proceeds from this fund raiser stay here to provide food and other services to our neighbors in need. This year’s tour is Saturday May 21, 10:00-5:00. Tickets are $30 and available at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond as well as several nurseries and Zinnia’s. A limited number of tickets is available. For more information call 831.336.8258 ext 229.

Robby’s Agave Central and Zen Garden is a garden I’ve had the pleasure to visit often. This talented gardener is eager to share his vision and techniques to keep it mole and gopher free. His latest water saving technique involving adobe is something you might want to try in your own garden. As a deer resistant, low maintenance gardener, Robby has created a soothing space complete with a hand made Japanese garden arch called a Tori. His shade garden is filled with tree ferns and the sitting area under the oaks beckons you to stop and enjoy the birds. There is a fire pit area plus a tree swing to enjoy before you head up to the rock garden and the cactus garden. This year round garden features tough but beautiful plants and there is something to admire everywhere you turn. The immense array of drought tolerant plantings throughout the vast wandering garden beds are very purposely planted to provide focal points. The 40 year old Blue Agave has begun growing the long awaited flower stem just in time for this garden tour. This eclectic garden curated over 28 years is a plant collector’s delight as well as a true bird sanctuary. It is complete with a specially created bird feeding site where more than 30 varieties of birds have migrated through this garden haven. Located off Glenwood Drive and just past the Iris Farm.

Nearby is Jim and Irene Cummins Iris Farm. It’s one of those places you could spend all day and never see everything. I’ve spent a bit of time painting in this garden. Beside the stunning bearded iris the Cummins grow and propagate, this couple have collected an impressive collection of farm implements and tools. The property was originally a turkey farm owned by Irene’s family back in 1949 but the old barn dates back to the late 1800’s when it was a stop for the stagecoaches to change horses. Filled with hundreds of bird houses collected by Irene, everywhere you turn there are blooming irises among vintage collectibles. Wagon wheels, vintage watering cans, unusual tools, even an antique bed frame filled with bearded iris are just some of the delights to discover. The iris farm includes 1000 blooming bearded iris many being hybridized on-site.

The Wright Residence
Corbett and Sheri, over the past 28 years, have transformed their property into a plant lovers dream. They are truly plant connoisseurs including an impressive Japanese maple collection such as Shishigashira and Full Moon Japanese maples that are trained to show off their exquisite foliage and shape. Among the other beautiful trees that are featured among the different garden rooms are Chinese Fringe tree and the unusual Dove tree which is also called the Hankerchief tree. This garden is filled with color from exbury azaleas, smoke bush, roses and Plum Delight loropetaum as well as a generous serving of white flowering shrubs like doublefile viburnum. Sitting areas, patios and water features abound amidst the veggie garden and the vineyard. Wander through the many garden rooms, enjoy the vineyard, the bocce ball court, the hidden fire pit, the restful water features, the vegetable garden complete with legacy family herbs and the formal rose garden room where music may be heard.

Prepare to be inspired at Big Tree Manor, a sprawling 10 acre Tudor estate beautifully tended over the past 22 years. You’ll be greeted by the formal front gardens full of gorgeous foliage in both full shade and sun as you wander to the expansive back gardens. Discover the beautiful pathways that also serve as water diversions as this valley receives copious inches of rain in the wet season. The classic gazebo sets the mood for the mixed perennial flowerbeds along the back of the home. A carefully curated orchard of 71 trees thrives while surrounded by the forest. View the vegetable and potting shed areas as you find your way to the dog training arena and then a short stroll to the 2000 year old Big Tree, a sight to behold. Barry’s Garden is also called the Forest Garden although the redwoods are just a part of this lovely garden.

The Casa Aldana –
Casa Aldana is a beautifully terraced garden retreat created over the course of 25 years. Now an oasis of magnificent outdoor living spaces surrounded by colorful and mature drought tolerant plantings that attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other birds. See how a terraced setting creates separate spaces to enjoy, including a fire pit room, a covered patio BBQ area off the kitchen, an amazing upper pool pavilion complete with a family room retreat, a children’s play area and room for growing vegetables. All these garden areas have been thoughtfully connected by drought tolerant plantings bursting with vibrant colors that attract wildlife habitat.

Some interesting facts about this garden include how the existing rock was jack hammered out for the pool and patio area. Heavy equipment scarred the rock and the rock that remains, which serves as a retaining wall, looks like it came straight from the Sierra. Filled with lavender, lantana, red hot poker, Monica’s grandmother’s bearded iris and other hummingbird attractors this garden beckons you to stop by the pool under the vine covered pergola and enjoy a cold beverage.

Shaffer Park
Rare opportunity to explore this private 24 acre park complete with whimsical and personal touches developed over 25 years to bring joy, reflection and peace in the natural surroundings. Stroll the grounds and discover the redwood ring chapel, the challenging disc golf course, the bocce ball courts, the Stations of the Cross walking loop, strongman, archery, discus, shot put, hammer and weightlifting areas. Don’t miss the vintage Santa’s Village mushroom, amazing paintings with the artist on site, and the huge picnic table and chair that brings out the kid in everyone!

This is just a snippet of inspiration and ideas you’ll glean from these gardens on the tour. If you’re looking for fresh landscaping ideas, a new tree variety, gardening tips and fresh inspiration, don’t miss the gardens on this tour.