Sacramento's warm September weather makes early autumn ideal for garden strolls – or tours. Next weekend starts a second season of home and garden tours meant to inspire as well as entertain. Here are some highlights:
EAST SACRAMENTO EDIBLE GARDENS TOUR
Where: Theodore Judah School and five east Sacramento homes
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. next Saturday
Admission: $20 in advance at several locations (see website); $25 day of the event at Little Real Estate Services (4201 H St., Sacramento); free for children under age 12
Details: www.ediblegardensac.org, (916) 709-6748
Hosted by the Sacramento chapter of Soroptimist International, this second annual tour features six diverse gardens that provide food as well as beauty. The school's Science Alive gardens get kids excited about growing food (and eating it, too). Featured are the whimsical garden of chef Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, a poolside orchard with container-grown tomatoes, a sustainable version of an English country garden, a tasty Zen retreat and "the best secret garden in town." Proceeds benefit Sacramento-area programs for disadvantaged women and children.
RIPON SEPTEMBER STROLL
Where: Ripon (map with ticket purchase)
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. next Saturday
Admission: $20 general; $8 for children; tickets available at Schemper's Ace Hardware, 150 N. Wilma Ave., Ripon; the Barbouri, 204 E Main St., Ripon; and garden centers in Ripon, Modesto, Manteca and Escalon.
Details: (209) 599-3871
Hosted by the Ripon Garden Club, this 16th annual community tradition features six Ripon-area gardens. Proceeds cover a lot of ground, too – scholarships, school gardens, Ripon's Main Street flower pots, the butterfly garden in Stouffer Park and Bethany Home and Beth Haven gardens.
ARDEN PARK FALL GARDEN TOUR
Where: Start at 1217 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 15
Admission: $10 in advance (call for tickets), $15 day of event
Details: (916) 487-5825
Hosted by the Arden Park Garden Club, this tour features a variety of diverse and charming gardens, most within walking or biking distance.
37th ANNUAL SACRAMENTO OLD CITY ASSOCIATION HOME TOUR
Where: Poverty Ridge neighborhood, Sacramento
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16
Admission: $20 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/251052 or at these Sacramento locations: Avid Reader, 1600 Broadway; Collected Works, 1019 L St.; 57th Street Antique Mall, 875 57th St.; and Time Tested Books, 1114 21st St.. On tour day, $25 at the booth on 22nd and U streets.
Details: http://sacoldcity.org, (916) 455-2935
Some of the most remarkable homes in Sacramento will be featured on this tour of the lavish hilltop neighborhood that never shook its 1800s nickname – no matter how many millionaires moved in. Among the highlights is the magnificently restored Roan-Didion House, once home to renowned author Joan Didion.
EAST SACRAMENTO HOME REMODELING TOUR
Where:Start at 1355 38th St., Sacramento
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 23
Admission: $20 advance (see website); $25 day of tour
Details: www.friendsofeastsac.org, (916) 452-8011
Hosted by Friends of East Sacramento, this tour focuses on five homes and one garden. Proceeds benefit Clunie Center.
SLOW FOOD SACRAMENTO GARDEN TOUR
Where: Homes in Curtis Park and Land Park
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5
Admission:$10
Details: http://slowfoodsacramento.com
Hosted by Slow Food Sacramento, this edible garden tour features seven homes plus Bret Harte Elementary School's garden – all within biking distance. Snack on home-grown produce along the way.
HEART OF THE HOME TOUR
Where: Homes in Davis, Woodland and Winters
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 20
Admission: $25, available at the Gifted Penguin, 716 Main St. Suite A, Woodland; the Avid Reader, 617 Second St., Davis; and other locations
Details: www.elderlynutrition.org , (530) 662-7035, ext. 207
In support of Yolo County's Meals on Wheels elderly nutrition program, this unusual tour features six kitchens in action. This year's tour has a twist: Chefs will compete in a cookoff with patrons voting for "Top Chef."
– Debbie Arrington
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