Green Valley's Annual Garden Tour Showcases Diverse Oases

Six unique gardens across the community open their gates for a popular springtime tradition.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:15pm

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The Green Valley Gardeners are hosting their annual garden tour, giving visitors a chance to explore six distinct private gardens throughout the community. From lush backyard oases to xeriscape sanctuaries, each property showcases the creativity and passion of its caretakers in bringing the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert to life.

Why it matters

The garden tour is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the vibrant horticultural culture of Green Valley. As the region faces challenges like drought and development, these private gardens serve as oases that preserve native plants, provide habitats for local wildlife, and inspire residents to cultivate their own outdoor spaces.

The details

The six gardens featured on this year's tour span a range of styles and features. Some highlight native cacti and succulents, while others incorporate water features like swimming pools and fountains. Several gardens showcase the owners' artistic talents, with mosaic patios, fused glass sculptures, and repurposed mining equipment on display. All of the properties maintain a strong connection to the surrounding Sonoran landscape, whether through sweeping mountain views or intentional wildlife-friendly plantings.

  • The Green Valley Gardeners annual garden tour takes place this weekend, April 6-7, 2026.
  • The tour is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

The players

Green Valley Gardeners

A local gardening club that organizes the annual Green Valley Garden Tour, showcasing the diverse private gardens of community members.

Laura and Kirk McQuillan

Owners of the fifth garden on the tour, which features a rock garden with mining equipment from the region.

Cathy and John Miller

Owners of the sixth garden on the tour, which boasts exceptional views of the Santa Rita Mountains and native desert plantings.

Stephanie Andrews

Owner of the third garden on the tour, which includes a seating area overlooking her HOA's common area and fused glass art on the garden fence.

Sarah Phillips

Owner of the fourth garden on the tour, which features a lush backyard oasis.

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What’s next

Tickets for the Green Valley Garden Tour are available online and at the door. Proceeds from the event support the ongoing activities and community initiatives of the Green Valley Gardeners.

The takeaway

As the Sonoran Desert region faces environmental challenges, the private gardens showcased on the Green Valley Garden Tour serve as inspiring examples of how residents can cultivate beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces that honor the local ecology and bring the community together.