As in last year's tour, artists will be painting in each of the gardens throughout the day. These will be Sally Russell, Clarence Medina, Nancy Delpero and Cami Thompson (Cañon Road Gallery); Jane Grover and Sal Giglio (Sage Fine Art); Elizabeth Jose (Taos Home Grown Gallery); and Kemper Coley (Wilder Nightengale Fine Art).  

Their artworks of Garden & Home Tour locations will be exhibited at Cañon Road Gallery the day after the tour, Sunday August 5th, from noon to 5pm, with a reception with the artists from 1-4pm. The gallery's address is 306 Kit Carson Road, Taos.

 

PREVIEW OF 2007 TOUR LOCATIONS

Casa de Conejos

Home of an award-winning set designer and his wife, Casa de Conejos, is known for it rabbit motif decoration – see if you can count them both inside and outside the house.  This spacious home is furnished with custom made furniture made by a local artisan.  It has a screening room/playroom decorated with various items from the television shows the owner has worked on.  There's a 360-degree enclosed observation tower and a garage that most men would envy (aka the “Taj Mah Garage”).  The gardens are planted with wildflowers and spring bulbs, amongst found objects from New Mexico ghost towns and sculpture. Look for a feature which gives new meaning to the phrase “dish garden ”.  A Zen courtyard with ball fountain frames a view of the mountains.

 

Historic Torreon

This historic torreon is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.  Highlights include a cutting garden, enormous shade trees, a large portal, rolling lawn, and a meandering path along the acequia leading to the swimming pool and cabana.  Of particular note are the beautiful container pots designed by Kristi Vine (a local designer), which reflect the interior decoration of the main building, guest house and cabana.  Be looking for roses, day lilies, cosmos, hosta, daisies, asiatic lilies, dahlias, hollyhocks, maximillian sunflowers and phlox.

 

Water Garden Wonder

Home to well known photographer Chuck Henningsen, it also serves as a gallery for his and the work of other artists.  Designed by the late Jeff Harner, this home/gallery was one of the first truly “contemporary” homes in Taos.  Of particular note are 3rd floor meditation room with views of the Mabel Doge Luhan House and a glass block sunroom in the kitchen with orchids, bougainvillea, bamboo, ivy and yucca.  The water garden makes this home special.  Starting near the circular drive way, an oriental-style lily pond empties into a stream which begins a meandering descent beneath aspen trees to a large koi pond with water iris. 

La Santísima Trinidad

The Holy Trinity church in Arroyo Seco is an excellent example of early 19th century historic mission churches of northern New Mexico. Begun in 1809, its thick adobe walls, heavy pine vigas, hand-crafted corbels and original altar screen (“retablo”) tell of the intense faith that motivated the early settlers who built it, using only the simplest of tools: their hands, wood and earth.  Originally at the center of the Arroyo Seco Plaza, the church serves as an anchor to community and remains a symbol of community pride and devotion.

 

Artistic Adobe

Home to artists Ann Huston and Ed Sandoval this property boasts a main home with double thick exposed adobe brick walls, an observation deck with views of the Rim Road and Valdez Valley, a chapel (with pews from the Holy Trinity Church), and a two story guest house.  Entry to the gardens, designed by Ann Huston, is through an arbor and gate.  A metal sculpture of Ed Sandoval’s signature “Viejo” greets the visitor.  The gardens include a lily pond with koi, a water cascade, and an outdoor dining room with fireplace.

And last, but not least, the most unique chicken coop you'll ever see!!

Tickets
Admission is $15 advance ($20 day of the tour).   In Taos, tickets are on sale at: 

• Ace Hardware
• Blossom’s Garden Center
• Buds Flowers
• El Prado Garden Center
• Enchanted Florist
• Lilac Shoppe Garden Center at Petree Nursery
  

In Santa Fe, Agua Fria Nursery is a ticket outlet.  You can also email tour@gardencluboftaos.com or call (505) 751-1585 to reserve tickets.

Accomodations
To take advantage of any discounts or special rates, please be sure to mention Los Jardineros when you make a reservation at:

• Sagebrush Inn (800-428-3626)
• San Geronimo Lodge  (800-894-4119)
• Casa de  las Chimeneas  (877-758-4777)
• Taos Inn  (888-518-8267)
• Cottonwood Inn  (800-324-7120)

Restaurants
Special menus and/or discounts will be available on tour day at:

• Caffé Renato (Taos)
• Gypsy 360 Café & Espresso Bar (Arroyo Seco)
• Maverick County Cafe (Overland Ranch, El Prado)
• Ronnie Lee's Supper Club & Restaurant (Taos)
• Trading Post Café (Ranchos de Taos)

Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos is a non-profit organization.  Proceeds from the garden tour will be used for civic beautification projects.

Pages about 2005 and 2006 tours are still available for viewing.