These gardeners don’t miss a “beet.”
For the 22nd year, the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is set to host its annual garden tour — a multipurpose event that serves as a fundraiser, a union of garden lovers, and a chance for the community to celebrate itself.
Set for Sunday at 10 a.m., participants will have the chance to peruse nine stunning locations. And as always, featured gardens “run the gamut” when it comes to geological locations and variations, says the museum’s Executive Director, Trevor Allen.
From more intimate, secret gardens in the backyard of Vallejo residents, to more publicly known community gardens like that on Saint Vincent’s Hill, there is plenty to be explored.
Without “soiling” the surprise element, there is also one location in particular — known for its “big chicken feature” — confirmed to return to the tour. Although it was featured many years ago, it has since changed in time for its second appearance this year.
Solano County Master Gardeners will also be present at each stop, allowing participants to ask questions and gain some insightful information about plant specifics along the way.
“They’re the ones that met with homeowners several weeks ago, did their homework, and checked out the place,” said Allen.
A man rides a bike past St. Vinnie’s Garden, one of the many stops of this year’s Vallejo Garden Tour. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)
At the end, there is a small convening at one of the featured gardens, and participants are invited to celebrate — once again — the museum, each other, and the welcoming of spring together.
Twenty-two years ago, as Allen explained, the museum board thought of the unique idea as a fundraiser to invite residents to showcase their equally unique gardens.
“There just seemed to be a subset of people that were involved with the museum that had either their own — or access to — beautiful gardens,” he said. As a result, the concept began.
With the help of volunteers on the Garden Tour Committee and generous residents, proceeds from the tour go to benefiting programs at the Vallejo Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
“The fact that people are willing to open their private gardens to the public for this event, speaks volumes of the trust and also community involvement,” said Allen. “We love that people are willing to donate their time and their garden to the cause.”
In addition to the community, the museum also thanks Paul Goodrum and Mary Kuykendall, two key staff members for ensuring the event’s annual success. “I really couldn’t do the garden tour without them,” said Allen, also thanking committee members Ward Stewart and Darrell Schramm.
All of the information about the tour itself, including a centerfold map detailing the featured gardens, will be handed out to ticket holders on the morning of the event.
Originally Published: May 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM PDT