You're invited in the garden gates...

If you have an opportunity to view the private gardens of select Fallbrook homes, you will gain a glimpse of the very soul of the Friendly Village. From meandering beds of wildflowers to attractive statuary, trickling water features, and unique plants with bold plumes, the diversity of gardens nestled in these rolling hills is as rich as the quality of life enjoyed by our residents.

On Saturday, May 12, the Fallbrook Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will give you that special opportunity - a behind-the-scenes look at five jewels in Fallbrook’s crown of beautiful gardens at private residences.

Three of the gardens featured in the tour are those belonging to Ron and Susan Coulombe, Kathy Cordes and Jane Lammers, and Ron and Jane Morgan.

Visitors to the Coulombe property will be delighted with the beautiful atrium and elegant pool with a view to the south. Attractive appointments abound on this property that features paths leading to areas of interest. Bright hues of ground cover and a rustic entryway with a fountain for ambiance will catch the eye.

The Cordes/Lammers gardens offer an attractive desert theme. Don’t miss the variety of stone used in pathways and the fabulous outdoor entertainment area with a view. This property has a natural look, achieved through careful placement of plants and groupings that look indigenous to the area. Good specimens of citrus, yuccas, and aloes abound in this design.

The Morgan home is a sight to behold – having truly risen from ash. The original structure, one of 43 homes destroyed in the Gavilan Fire of 2002, has been rebuilt and is referred to by the owners as ‘The Phoenix.” This is a must see for the “celebrity” rose garden – featuring rose bushes named for celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, and more. See the raised vegetable garden, vanishing edge pool and meditation area with a view that never ends.

While many say the biggest attraction of the AAUW’s annual garden tour is getting the chance to take a close-up peek inside the garden gates of someone’s private compound, insiders know the biggest benefit is to the deserving local high school and college students that are awarded scholarships by the organization, funded by proceeds from the event.

To enjoy the tour, begin at the Palomares House, 1815 Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook. The self-guided tour begins at 12 noon and closes at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person with all proceeds going to the AAUW scholarship fund. Complimentary light refreshments will be served and garden-related merchants will offer booths full of merchandise for your shopping pleasure. For additional information, contact Marj Freda at (760) 723-9686 or Nancy Wilshire at (760) 723-1958.