Garden home tour features 220 CA ponds

The weekend of July 8 and 9, Southern California will be alive with thousands of visitors streaming into more than 220 homes spanning down Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County and Riverside to San Diego as the region hosts the largest ever “Parade of Ponds” self-guided water garden home tour.

This two-day event is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring many of Southern California’s most beautiful private ponds and water gardens. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the “Partnership for Ponds” charity program, whose goal is to raise awareness and interest in the water garden hobby and lifestyle.

The Partnership for Ponds was formed by Terry and Chad Morrill, owners of Pro Ponds West in Los Angeles. It includes Armstrong Garden Center and Aquascape Designs. It also is supported by the many installers and designers who are showcasing their work on this year’s tour.

Earlier this year, the partnership donated the completely restored Mulberry Tree pond at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles. Descanso Gardens is also this year’s Parade of Ponds beneficiary. “I’ve visited Descanso Gardens a number of times over the years and really wanted to help them return their water features back to showcase quality to be enjoyed by the thousands of visitors they receive each years from around the world,” says Terry Morrill.

Each $20 donation gives ticket-holders access to over 220 homes throughout Southern California. Each participant will receive a 36-page program with addresses and descriptions for each home on the tour. The program serves as a weekend-long pass that allows visitors to explore at their leisure on both days of the event. Each ticket also includes a week-long membership to Descanso Gardens.

The Parade of Ponds tour runs July 8 and 9, with homes open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. both days.

Tickets may be purchased at Armstrong Garden Centers throughout Southern California. For more information, call Pro Ponds West at (818) 252-0040.