Garden festival ready to bloom

ELFIN FOREST — The Town Council of Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove is wrapping up plans for it 2010 Garden Festival, “Gardens Within Gardens” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 3. Tickets and maps to the gardens can be picked up the day of the event at the Elfin Valley Nursery, 20110 Elfin Forest Lane.
Five outstanding gardens will be presented. Several have never been open to the public and a few have been glimpsed in features in San Diego Home and Garden. All represent the diversity of artistic flair and style found in Elfin Forest.
The festival will also feature author and America in Bloom judge Evelyn Alemanni, who will be available to sign copies of her new book, “America in Bloom: Best Ideas.” In addition to the various garden tours, local vendors will be present. Lunch will be available for purchase. The Garden Festival proceeds benefit the Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council.
“Each garden is unique,” said Bonnie Baumgartner, chairwoman of the 2010 Garden Festival. “Several feature art incorporated into unique landscape design with many specimen plants. One has a French culinary garden and spacious vistas, while another has fantastic whimsy, metal sculptures and topiary seen only in places like the Wynn Hotel. Our ‘green’ garden celebrates the beauty of our native Californian plants and features a planted, green roof; another features reflective nooks with water elements of Zen tranquility, and entertaining areas.”
Tickets will be available for $20 and may be purchased online at www.elfinforestgardens.info. Day of event tickets cost $25 each. To preview the gardens and learn more, visit elfinforestgardens.info.