What is the Garden Tour?
The Garden Tour is an annual fundraiser for The Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley. The profits go to preserve the historic Bernard Maybeck clubhouse building and to benefit many Marin nonprofits (see list).
In keeping with its conservationist roots and mission statement, The Outdoor Art Club is now a certified Green Operator, and this year's tour was created with that in mind. The Art in the Garden Tour visits 5 Mill Valley hidden gems -- private, beautifully landscaped gardens, and, in most cases, their houses.
OAC support of Marin nonprofits
When, Where and What time is the Tour?
Gardens, Art & Architecture XVIII will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The Tour takes approximately 2-3 hours and leaves from The Outdoor Art Club located at One West Blithedale in Mill Valley. You can walk, cycle and/or shuttle to each of the homes. No private cars are allowed. The Tour will be held rain or shine.
What if it rains?
The Tour goes on rain or shine. Bring your umbrella or rain jacket.
How much are tickets?
Advance-purchase Tour tickets are $35. Tickets on the day of the Tour are $45. This includes admission to all gardens and transportation. Lunch is an additional $15 and should be purchased in advance. Tour and luncheon tickets are non-refundable.
How can I order tickets?
Go to the Tickets page on our website for instructions to order online. You can order by mail or phone, but for immediate confirmation of your ticket, it is best to order online. The Tour can sell out. Tickets are nonrefundable.
order tickets
How can I order lunch?
A lovely luncheon is served at The Outdoor Art Club historic clubhouse. You should purchase your luncheon ticket in advance. The luncheon s limited to 400 diners and usually sells out.
If you are unable to order lunch at The Outdoor Art Club, there are many wonderful restaurants in downtown Mill Valley.
Will tickets be sent to me?
No. Your name will be at the Registration Table at The Outdoor Art Club where you will check in before the Tour and receive a wrist band. If you also purchased the luncheon, you will receive a different color wrist band.
Do I drive? What about parking?
No. You do not drive your own car on the Tour. We will shuttle you by bus to the homes on the tour or you may take our walking/cycling route.
You do have to park in Mill Valley, and there are mostly 2-hour metered parking spaces near The Outdoor Art Club. You will need 6 quarters (20 minutes per quarter). Parking vouchers for a third hour are enclosed in your Tour invitation. If you forget to bring yours, we will have parking vouchers available at the Registration Table.
These vouchers will allow you a free third hour of metered parking in Mill Valley. So, you must feed the meter for two hours of parking, and the voucher will give you an additional one hour for free.
Place the parking chit on your dashboard.
directions
Where do I start the Tour? How long is the Tour?
The Garden Tour starts at The Outdoor Art Club located at One West Blithedale, Mill Valley. You must check in at our Registration Table and receive a wristband. If you are walking or bicycling, you can pick up your route map. Shuttle buses will leave The Outdoor Art Club starting at 9:30am. The Tour takes approximately 2-3 hours. The last shuttle leaves the Outdoor Art Club to start the tour at 2:00 pm. Gardens will close promptly at 4:00 pm.
directions
Do I have to show up at 9:30am?
No. In fact, we recommend that you start the tour later in the day in order to avoid lines. Shuttles start leaving The Outdoor Art Club at 9:30 am and run continuously. The last vehicle will leave The Outdoor Art Club to start the Tour at 2:00 pm. Gardens close at 4:00pm. Be sure to visit the Patio at The Outdoor Art Club for gifts, and plants. Don't miss the Silent Auction bidding and grab bags.
Can I walk or bike the Tour? How does it work?
Yes. You can walk or cycle the Tour. You must have a ticket for the Tour. You go to the Registration Table at The Outdoor Art Club to pick up your wrist band, a program and route map. Cyclists must sign a release form, and helmets are required. Locks are suggested. Should walkers tire, they can always catch the shuttle.
walk / bike tour
What activities are going on the day of the Tour?
There is much to see and do at The Outdoor Art Club. The club itself is an architectural jewel designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1904. The landscape architect was Robert Royston. Tickets for the clubhouse luncheon can be purchased in advance and enjoyed at the club. On the patio, there will be gifts, plants for sale, and an exciting Silent Auction. Also, experts will be available to answer your green gardening questions.
The clubhouse is located in downtown Mill Valley which is a charming town to explore.
Are water and restrooms available?
Complimentary water, coffee, tea and lemonade are available at the refreshment table at The Outdoor Art Club. Wine can be purchased with your lunch. Restrooms are available at The Outdoor Art Club.
Will there be information about the gardens and homes?
Yes. You will receive a program on the day of the tour. Docents are also available at each home to answer questions and give further information about the homes and gardens.
In addition, you can read about the homes on the website.
Tour Details
Can I bring a pet?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Can I bring a camera?
No. To protect the privacy of our homeowners, photography is not allowed.
Can I bring children?
Yes, but the Tour is not designed for children, and they must have their own ticket. Unfortunately, the gardens and homes are not stroller or wheelchair accessible. In addition, our transportation vehicles do not have child car seats.
