“Hidden Gardens: A Study in Contrasts”

Back by popular demand, The Santa Ynez Historical Museum (SYVHM) is pleased to announce it will host an exclusive tour of two of the Valley’s most exquisite gardens, against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountain range and Lake Cachuma.

This private event will take place on Saturday, May 11 at and is limited to only 100 Museum members, their guests, and the public. Attendees will gather at the Museum and board two chartered buses at 12:30 pm sharp for their trip to the countryside to see these horticultural wonders in full spring blossom as a result of the region’s plentiful winter rains. At the end of the day, participants will return to the Museum for refreshments, appetizers and an exciting post-tour program.

The event cost is $95 for members, $100 for non-members; proceeds benefit Museum exhibits and programs.

Please RSVP by May 4th, by calling (805) 688-7889 to make your reservation. Tickets may also be purchased on the Museum website by going to www.santaynezmuseum.org.

Please note that private cars or late entrance to the tour are not allowed.

The tour, led by garden owners and designers, will allow guests to step back in time and discover two contrasting styles of landscape design. The first stop will be at an estate featuring a beautifully appointed late 19th Century English garden. Garden enthusiasts will be able to learn the secrets of successfully cultivating flowering plants and trees that are common in the United Kingdom yet flourish in the Valley’s warm Mediterranean climate. Wonder and whimsy await visitors at the tour’s second stop, which boasts a succulent paradise overlooking a glittering Lake Cachuma. While the plants found in this garden are in stark contrast to those found in the English garden, they offer visitors creative ideas for beautiful, unique landscape design using vegetation that thrives during rainy and dry seasons.

According to Brian Stenfors, Ph.D., SYVHM Executive Director, “The Valley is alive and full of color this year as the result of much-needed winter rains. Wildflower season is still upon us, courtesy of Mother Nature and Garden Tour participants will get to see them on our tour route. We’re excited to once again host this exciting field experience for our local community and the public. It’s a great introduction to our Museum educational and cultural programs.”