'Down Garden Paths' -- Women's Club garden tour April 25

Sally White and her photographs will be among the artists featured on the tour.

April 25 will be a convergence of nature and art when the Rancho Murieta Women's Club will host their 7th Garden Tour. This year the beautiful gardens will feature magnificently landscaped vignettes of roses and a multitude of other spring blossoms. From the name, as you might assume, there will be beautiful paths to meander along, as well as many examples of interesting and unusual garden art and lovely respite areas. Co-chairs Sheryl Bray and Nicole Sullins have chosen "Down Garden Paths" as the working title for the tour.

Again this year there will be local artists exhibiting there artistic skills. One of our artists is Sally White, a Rancho Murieta resident for 17 years who will be displaying her photography at one of the homes. After 28 years as a High School French and Spanish teacher at Rio Americano for 11 years and prior to that in the Bay Area, Sally retired three years ago to pursue her real avocation of Photography. She specializes in Rancho Murieta Scenes in framed prints and note cards. The watercolor, canvas and metallic finishes lend a painting look to her photos, enhancing their visual appearance.

On the day of the tour you will pick up your brochure at the gazebo in Rancho Murieta north. The brochure will be your ticket to enter the gardens. There will be a map included in the brochure to help you plan your visits. The pick up area will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will close promptly at 1:00 p.m.

The tour of the gardens begins at 1:00 p.m. and you can start at any garden. After enjoying the gardens, a reception will be held at the Hospitality Garden from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Finger foods, wine and other refreshments will be served. You will also be entertained as you sip your wine and chat with other guests. As is our tradition, the garden locations are a secret.

These "secret gardens," will only be revealed the day of the tour. There will also be artwork and other surprises at each garden. You are encouraged to wear appropriate and comfortable shoes. And of course, hats are advised for garden tours.

Six Murieta homeowners, whose secret identities remain a mystery will open their verdant gardens to badge-holders from 1:00-3:00 p.m., and remember, refreshments will be served at the tour's finale in the hospitality garden from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sheryl and Nicole, our event orchestrators, could use a chorus of helpers before and during the tour. Volunteers who would like to serve as garden docents or on the committee ensemble are urged to call Pat Lytle (1231).

You can remit your check, made out to RMWC in the amount of $15 per attendee, to Carolyn Ward, 15033 Magno Court, RM, CA 95683. The deadline is 5:00 p.m., April 11 and there will be no refunds. Men and guests are encouraged to attend, but the tour is limited to the first 150.