This year I was so proud to be able to sponsor The 16th Annual Clairemont Garden Tour! The Clairemont Town Council hosted the event partnering with the SDGE Energy Innovation Center, 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. This year, in addition to the tour, there was an expo which started a new tradition in the community event. Several members of the Clairemont Town Council and Clairemont San Diego Community members, made the event possible. People generously donated thousands of hours of hard work and sponsors donated money.

The Clairemont Town Council’s purpose consists of civic, commercial, educational and intercultural activities. They also promote the welfare of the community of Clairemont San Diego. The Town Council strives to provide a forum for discussion of community issues and actually take stands on these issues. When necessary they communicate the community views to the appropriate organizations. The Town Council meets every first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Come out to learn more about Clairemont and the events that shape the community. The meetings are held at Clairemont High School in the school cafeteria located at 4158 Ute St. San Diego 92117. Visit www.clairemontonline.com for more info on the town council.

The Clairemont Town Council’s Garden Tour is a fund raising event. Ideally it would be the number one choice among spring garden events while highlighting the communities of Clairemont, Bay Park and Bay Ho. The gardens and have been designed by landscape architects, artists, master gardeners and garden enthusiasts you can tour the gardens at your own leisure and linger as long as you want. You will be amazed because there is a variety of gardens and so many beautiful gems! I like to say Clairemont is San Diego’s best kept secret because the homes are absolutely gorgeous and many have views and rim the canyons.

The expo had informative workshop as well as the Kid zone with hands-on activities and exhibitions. There was a trade show with educational opportunities from around the community. Kurt of Kitchen 4140 was doing a garden to tabletop cooking demonstration. Some things that were taught at the expo were how to go green at your home and business. How you can design of garden that is beautiful and saves water and also how to compost which is great! There were exhibits on gardening, saving energy, conserving water and discovering resources in our backyard.

Many exhibitors were organizations dedicated to helping the environment, wildlife, oceans and more. The Kids Zone featured hands on activities and the importance of going green.

This year was reportedly the BEST Clairemont Garden Tour ever! Next year I will be ready to sign up and help out. I hope everyone will take the time to come to Clairemont San Diego and smell the roses. It is truly a rare gem and what I believe to be San Diego’s best kept secret!