PICTURED IS ONE OF THE GARDENS ON THE MASTER GARDENERS’ SPRING TOUR THIS SATURDAY. Saturday, June 5 is the date for the fifth annual Master Gardeners Association of Mariposa County’s spring garden tour. The public is invited to tour five local Mariposa home gardens plus the Mariposa Creek Parkway Native Plants Demonstration Garden along Mariposa Creek downtown.

Master Gardener docents will be on hand at each location to answer gardening questions. Brochures will be available at each location to guide visitors through their walk and identify the plants. Participants can enjoy the unique features in each garden and discover what can be grown at various elevations and in the different microclimates in the county.

At one garden, visitors will wind up the curving driveway to be welcomed by the sight of the bluebird village and Nepal prayer flag. Behind these is an array of trees, shrubs, bulbs and numerous potted specimens which the owners have planted in the short four years they have occupied their home.

Visitors will see the unique fence the owners have created with manzanita branches. A special feature is the spirit garden which was created in memory of deceased family members. A hilltop vegetable garden provides summer produce, and there is an Italian garden as well.

Another home’s garden begins with a dry creek bed and gazing ball that directs guests to the entrance. A retaining wall showcases shrubs and perennials. The back patio features two raised planting circles that change with the seasons. Several large, raised beds are planted with a variety of vegetables, that supply the entire neighborhood. An automatic watering system conserves water and labor. The garden is surrounded by assorted fruit trees.

Another garden features sustainable, Asian flare. It is made with economy in mind and a philosophy behind each decision. The owners believe and live by “reduce, reuse and recycle.” Most of the garden structures are made from reclaimed materials, and rainwater is captured in creative ways to reduce reliance on pump power. The pig house is made from papercrete. Bonsai trees abound, accented with specimen stones and companion plantings. A young Japanese garden with a waterfall of fescue grass and a bridge add to the Asian elements.

The final estate garden had its beginnings in 1950 with Dr. and Mrs. Williams Mills’ purchase of the 500-acre Circle 9 Ranch in Jerseydale. They built their unique log home from timber harvested and milled on the property. Over the years, many distinct areas have been developed utilizing paths, stairways and garden structures. The ranch boasts many mature trees, including an extensive orchard of antique apples, which is still producing. The prize among the trees is the largest sugar maple in all of Mariposa

County. The tradition

of the site has been continued and nurtured by the Mills’ daughter, a Master Gardener.

The Mariposa UCCE Master Gardener program has developed a California Native Plant Demonstration Garden along Mariposa Creek that provides an example of native plants attractive in home landscapes that are fire resistant, drought-tolerant and provide habitat for birds and butterflies. The project was initiated in 2000 and continues to evolve. Initial funding was provided through a grant from the Elvenia J. Slosson Endowment Fund, with additional donations from other interested parties. Currently, the Master Gardeners are participating in a research project with UC Davis evaluating the adaptability of various native plants for use in growing conditions specific to Mariposa County.

The hours for the tour are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and writing materials to record their visits to the gardens. Tickets are $12 for advanced sale and will also be available at each garden the day of the tour for $15. Tickets are on sale at the Farm Advisor’s office at 5009 Fairgrounds Drive, the visitors’ center and Trent’s Hair Salon or from any master gardener.

For further information, call 966-2417 or 966-7078.