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“Welcome to my backyard!”
--Susan
Lafond, proprietor of Santa Barbara Garden Tours, life-long
garden enthusiast, and 24-year veteran of the travel industry.
Fabulous
year-round weather, lush private and public gardens, unusual
nurseries, and unique garden shops await you in Santa Barbara,
chosen as the number one Garden City in the United States by
Garden Design magazine in 2002. We
offer tours that include visits to historical estates, private
gardens, public parks, specialty nurseries and shops. All
along the way, guests will enjoy the natural beauty presented
by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, which surround
Santa Barbara. Travelers have come to this region since the
1870s for the healthful, restorative climate and spectacular
landscape. Come and enjoy our rare Mediterranean climate,
which boasts a year round gardener’s paradise.
Experiencing
this unique region is enhanced by dining, wine tasting, shopping,
and recreating in a location referred to as“The American
Riviera.” Cultural activities and nightlife complete
a day of touring some of the nation’s finest gardens.
Depending on the season we will visit gardens and nurseries
featured in magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens,
Sunset, Martha Stewart Living, Victoria and Veranda.
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2010 Update
Due to the devastation the Tea and Jesusita Fires which ravaged Santa Barbara during 2008 and 2009 we will not be operating any private garden tours in 2010.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden did sustain a fair amount of damage although we encourage you to visit the meadow, gift shop, botanic library and any other currently open areas of the garden. The meadow is still lovely in the spring. Unfortunately some of the private gardens featured in the past are either severely damaged or completely destroyed.
If you do plan a visit to Santa Barbara and would like to visit some gardens I encourage you to visit:
Lotusland
(805) 969-9990 and
Casa del Herrero
(805) 565-5653.
Both require a prior reservation and do have a fee.
Also recommended are:
Sunken gardens at the court house
Mission rose garden
Alice Keck Memorial Gardens
These are all open to the public and are free of charge.
Thank you and Happy Gardening. |
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