Bloomin’ Backyards: Sonoma County Master Gardeners, who are specially trained to help and educate home gardeners, share their own gardens in this biennial event June 8 themed to “Gardening in a Summer-Dry climate.” This year’s tour features four home gardens in the Sonoma Valley and the Sonoma Garden Park. Specialists and demonstrations will be set up at the various stops. Shuttles push off from Hanna Boys Center on Arnold Drive at West Agua Caliente Road and from Sebastiani Winery at 389 4th St. E., Sonoma. A plant sale featuring only drought-tolerant plants, a craft market, visits with The Garden Doctors and a low-water-use info center will be at Hanna Boys Center. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at all Copperfields Books and Reader’s Books in Sonoma as well as at the shuttle stops. No online sales after June 6. sonomamastergardeners.org or 565-2608.
Western Sonoma County Spring Home and Garden Tour: Food for Thought, the AIDS/HIV Food Bank, hosts this tour June 8 of eight different properties in the West County with features like old growth redwoods, edible landscaping, a labyrinth and garden art. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $45 for the self-guided tour, and include a map and a guide with descriptions of all the homes and gardens. they’re available online at fftfoodbank.org or by calling 887-1647 or at Food for Thought’s offices at 6550 Railroad Avenue between First and Forestville streets in Forestville.
Rain Greywater Urban Oasis Tour: Daily Acts, a Petaluma nonprofit that promotes sustainable living, will lead a free daylong tour of five homes and gardens that use rain and graywater to support their landscapes on June 14. The tour will incude the home garden of Daily Acts Executive Director Trathen Heckman, which produces 500 pounds of food a year on a modest water budget. The tour will be co-hosted by professional landscaper and permaculture expert Damien McAnany, who also is a certified arborist with an master’s degree in environmental education and expertise in greywater systems. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register call 789-9664 or visit dailyacts.org.
Resorts in Bloom: This is a chance to spend leisurely time exploring 10 different resort, winery and spa gardens in Western Sonoma County and along the Russian River. Among the choice spots are the Osmosis Day Spa’s Japanese garden in Freestone, The Applewood and Village inns, and The Inn at Occidental. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14 and 15. $30 for a one-day pass. Tours can be started at any of the participating resorts. VIP reception June 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for $50 (includes a day pass. VIP Wine Tasting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 14 for $50 and includes a day pass. Tickets can be purchased online at resortsinbloom.com or call 869-5977, ext. 3313.
Garden Conservancy’s Mendocino Open Garden Day: Frey Gardens, a one-acre sustainable, habitat garden in Hopland. and Digging Dog Nursery in Albion, welcome visitors. The Frey garden is filled with native plants that attract and support a variety of insects and birds, and are all planted in a naturalistic style. There also is a small vegetable garden and rustic structures from a hermit’s hut and chicken coop to a bar and whimsical gate posts. $5. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 300 Ralph Bettcher Dr. Digging Dog is at 31101 Middle Ridge Road, Albion. For directions and more information visit gardenconservancy.org.
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