Garden Conservancy open days in SoCal April and May

Now in its fifteenth season, The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program continues to offer thou­sands of people across the country hundreds of opportunities to learn and exchange gardening ideas—or to simply explore and enjoy magnificent gardens and spaces not normally open to the public. This year, more than 330 private gardens in 22 states offer you the chance to explore first-hand examples of outstanding design and horticulture.

The 2010 Open Days season begins in late March and extends into late October. It includes gardens from southern Maine to southern California, from the tip of Long Island, New York to Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Unlike pre-programmed garden tours, Open Days garden tours are self-guided and flexible. You can shape your itiner­ary and set the pace to suit your interests.

The 2010 Open Days Directory ($21.95 including shipping and handling) provides descriptions, visiting dates and hours, and driving directions to private gardens from coast to coast. The Directory also includes one free admission ticket to any private garden participating in the program, a $5 value. To purchase a Directory or to join the Garden Conservancy as a member and receive a free copy, call 1-888-842-2442 or visit www.opendaysprogram.org.

The 2010 Open Days Program is generously supported by Garden Design magazine as the national media sponsor.

-April 25: Six private gardens open to the public in Pasadena, 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors may begin the tour at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 125 South Grand Avenue, Pasadena, where maps and discounted admission tickets will be available from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

-May 8: Six private gardens open to the public in Los Angeles (Hancock Park/Windsor Square), 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors may begin the tour at Ronnie Allumbaugh Gardens at Getty House, the Official Residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles, 605 South Irving Boulevard, Los Angeles, where maps and discounted admission tickets will be available from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Each of these Open Days Program dates is self-guided, admission to each garden is $5 (children under 12 free), no reservations required, and are rain or shine. For more information, your readers may visit
www.opendaysprogram.org,
or call us toll-free weekdays at 1-888-842-2442.