Tomatomania at Descanso Gardens April 2 and 3

Deemed the “tomato freaks’ Woodstock,” TOMATOMANIA! will kick off the month of April at Descanso Gardens. AKA “the world’s largest tomato seedling sale,” TOMATOMANIA! will be open for business from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3, on the Magnolia Lawn.

Now in its 20th year, TOMATOMANIA! offers tomato-philes hundreds of varieties to choose from, with tomatoes from A (Amish Paste) to Z (Zapotec). The weekend includes “Scott’s Tomato U,” a workshop presented by TOMATOMANIA! founder Scott Daigre. He will share his tips on growing the best, most flavorful tomatoes you have ever harvested.

Also on Sunday, the monthly Nature’s Table Cooking Demo series debuts at 11 a.m. Chef Jesse Genovese will focus on – what else? – tomatoes! Bring a notebook and be prepared to learn some new tricks in the kitchen.

TOMATOMANIA! started as a West Coast phenomenon in the 1990s. Over time, it has become a coast-to-coast must-do for home gardeners, setting up shop in premiere locales including White Flower Farm in Litchfield, CT, and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, MA.

The TOMATOMANIA! sale, Scott’s Tomato U and the Nature’s Table Cooking Demo are free with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $3 children 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and younger.

Find details at www.descansogardens.org or (818) 949-4290. Check out the TOMATOMANIA! at www.tomatomania.com.

About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with I.D.; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.