A Mother's Day tradition in bloom: Tour 6 inspiring local gardens

Looking for a meaningful way to spend Mother's Day this year? The 39th annual Mother's Day Garden Tour, hosted by the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County, offers a chance to step into six unique gardens across our community, each one filled with inspiration, creativity and practical ideas you can take home. The tour takes place Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $20 each, and children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at Green Acres locations in Auburn, Rocklin and Roseville. For nearly four decades, this event has been a favorite local tradition, celebrating both the beauty of gardens and the people who create them. This year's tour features a diverse range of garden styles, from classic rose collections to California native landscapes, each reflecting the personality and vision of its gardeners. The Park Meadow Garden is a true showcase for rose lovers. Set on 1.2 acres, it features more than 350 labeled rose varieties at peak bloom. Winding pathways lead visitors through rose-covered arbors with beds edged in succulents and companion plants that highlight thoughtful design and seasonal color. In contrast, the Chippendale Garden brings a more formal European feel. Designed as a series of outdoor "rooms," it includes a rose allée, a woodland retreat and a pergola draped in wisteria. With blooms throughout much of the year, it offers ideas for creating structure and year-round interest in the garden. The Jamestown Garden takes a different approach, blending creativity and personal history. This cozy, whimsical space features handmade elements, colorful plantings and meaningful touches, from a custom gate to hand-painted signs. It's a reminder that gardens don't need to be large or formal to be deeply engaging. At the Vista Creek Garden, visitors will see what time and care can create. Developed over 40 years, this garden has evolved from bare ground into a vibrant landscape filled with plantings, garden art and personal meaning. A Japanese maple stands as a living marker of its history. The Old Hart Ranch Garden highlights the value of gardening with California natives and pollinator-friendly plants. The front yard showcases resilient native species suited to our local conditions, while the backyard includes butterfly plantings, raised beds and a shaded dining area beneath a fragrant jasmine arch. Finally, the Northranch Garden is designed for family life and relaxation. A flagstone path guides visitors through a series of spaces, including a fountain, shaded garden, pool area and an authentic Japanese garden. The walk ends at a quiet deck overlooking a creek, offering a sense of retreat. As you visit these gardens, you'll notice more than just beautiful plants. You'll see practical ideas for plant selection, water-wise design, habitat support and creating spaces that reflect how people live and gather outdoors. A few notes for visitors: Some gardens include slopes, steps and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes and caution are important. Please stay on designated paths to help protect both the gardens and your safety. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, this tour offers inspiration, practical ideas and a deeper appreciation for the role gardens play in our lives. On Mother's Day, it's also a chance to slow down, spend time together with your family and friends, and enjoy the beauty that grows right here in Placer County. For more information, visit https://pcmg.ucanr.org.