As spring approaches in Tucson, one of the city’s most anticipated horticultural events is also on its way: the Pima County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour.
This year’s event, set for April 5, promises to be a celebration of gardening innovation and sustainability, as the tour showcases four master gardens, each reflecting the creativity and resilience of the gardeners who thrive in Arizona's unique desert environment.
The Pima County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour is back for its 24th year with more than just a visual feast for garden lovers. The 2025 edition is making a splash with interactive collaborations that encourage participants to engage directly with the gardeners, learn about sustainable practices and explore how to bring desert-adapted beauty to their own backyards.
This year’s tour highlights four master gardens that are as diverse as they are inspiring, said Jennifer Smith, Home Garden Tour Chair.
From water-conserving landscaping to lush backyard retreats, each garden on the tour tells a different story of how Southern Arizonans can cultivate beauty and function in a challenging climate, Smith added. Visitors will see firsthand how native plants, water-efficient irrigation and creative landscaping can transform any outdoor space into a thriving oasis.
“We’ve chosen gardens that represent a variety of styles and approaches to gardening in the desert,” Smith said. “These gardens are not only visually stunning but also exemplify what it means to garden with sustainability in mind. We’re excited to show off the ingenuity of our local gardeners and provide attendees with practical, hands-on knowledge they can apply to their own homes.”
The four featured gardens include a variety of landscapes, from contemporary desert designs to more lush, tropical-inspired oases. Whether it's a garden that focuses on native plants and rainwater harvesting or one designed to attract pollinators and wildlife, each space offers something unique for every garden enthusiast, Smith added.
This year's garden tour hosted by the Pima County Master Gardeners takes place April 5.
This year, the Pima County Master Gardeners are introducing a fresh twist on the traditional tour. Beyond simply admiring the beauty of these gardens, attendees will have the chance to engage with local experts, participate in hands-on activities and attend interactive demonstrations that dive deep into gardening techniques.
“We’re taking this year’s tour to the next level with more opportunities for visitors to get involved,” Smith said. “Whether it’s learning how to build your own rainwater harvesting system, getting tips on desert-adapted plant care or participating in a hands-on composting demo, we want everyone to leave the tour with new skills and inspiration.”
Among the new interactive features are:
- Gardener Q&A sessions: Throughout the tour, gardeners will be available to answer questions, share stories about their design choices and offer advice on how to adapt similar strategies at home.
- DIY demonstrations: Guests can participate in workshops on creating sustainable garden features. These interactive sessions will be led by the Master Gardeners and other experts.
- Educational booths: In addition to touring the gardens, visitors can explore educational booths where they’ll find information on topics such as soil health and composting.
And the tour isn’t just about seeing beautiful gardens — it's about fostering a sense of community among Tucson’s gardening enthusiasts, Smith emphasized.
“It’s about building a network of gardeners who are committed to making Tucson a greener place,” Smith said. “The Pima County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour has always been focused on education and this year we’re expanding our efforts by creating opportunities for visitors to engage, learn and grow alongside the gardeners who have created these beautiful spaces.”
The tour highlights the importance of sustainable gardening in Tucson, where water conservation is more important than ever. Through the gardens featured this year, visitors will see firsthand how small changes — such as using native plants, improving irrigation systems, and incorporating rainwater harvesting — can make a big difference in the long-term health of the environment, Smith added.
The 2025 Pima County Master Gardeners Home Garden Tour will take place on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 before the event and $30 at the door and can be purchased online. The self-guided tour will provide guests with a detailed program, including a map of the featured gardens and information about each garden’s design and sustainable features.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water are recommended for those planning to spend the day exploring some of Arizona’s best private gardens. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Pima County Master Gardeners website.
