7 gorgeous spring garden tours across the u. S.

The Texas Bluebonnet Trail and is the self-proclaimed “Bluebonnet City of Texas.” Courtesy City of Ennis, Texas ENNIS BLUEBONNET TRAILS AND FESTIVAL (ENNIS, TEXAS) APRIL 1-30 The bluebonnet,

a wildflower that blankets the fields, meadows and rural roads throughout the Lone Star state, holds the title of state flower. And the small town of Ennis, a 36-minute drive south of

Dallas, has the Texas Bluebonnet Trail and is the self-proclaimed "Bluebonnet City of Texas.” The bluebonnets peak in mid-April but since they are a natural occurrence, their blooms may

not be in the same exact place year to year. (The locals defer to Mother Nature each year on the best trail sightings.) People trek from all over the country for the Bluebonnet Trails

opening (April 1) and the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, a weekend of music and activities celebrating the beautiful blue wildflower (April 14–16). To explore the trails, download the map

for self-guided driving tours. All events are free. The Gamble house and garden are open for self-guided tours year-round. Courtesy Nadine Priestley ELIZABETH F. GAMBLE GARDEN HISTORIC HOME

SPRING GARDEN TOUR (PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA) APRIL 28 AND 29 In 1902, when the Gamble House was built, the city of Palo Alto was considerably smaller, with a population of 3,000 compared

with 69,000 today. Thanks to the Garden Club of Palo Alto, which assisted in creating a nonprofit organization to restore the garden and maintain the buildings, the Gamble House and garden

continues on as a beautiful example of Colonial-Georgian Revival architecture, complete with restored gardens of the era. The original family gardener, Elizabeth F. Gamble, was well known

for her love of flowers and her extensive collection of prized camellias. While you can take a free self-guided tour anytime, during the spring tour you can see what a restored 1900 garden

looks like, from camellias, roses and wisteria to the front lawn’s three surviving Canary Island date palms. Live music, a silent auction and special shopping experiences are part of the

tour admission. Plus, five private Palo Alto gardens will be open for tours April 28 and April 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note: The private gardens on the tour are not wheelchair accessible,

but all activities at Gamble Garden are fully accessible. Admission includes the five garden tours; $30 for members, $45 nonmembers; $50 at the door.