On a warm, sunlit day in July, 200-ish garden and art enthusiasts roamed the streets of our neighborhood on a mission to tour five Beaumont-Wilshire gardens in the time allotted. In its third year, the 2026 BWNA Art & Garden Tour offered ticket holders the opportunity to gain some gardening ideas, peruse and purchase art from nine presenting artists, meet new people, and connect with neighbors as they crossed paths. Neighborhood kids sold treats and beverages or played music to entertain the crowds at two of the gardens.
The event raised nearly $3,600 for BWNA, money that helps the association fund its events that are free to participants, such as Movie in the Park, the neighborhood-wide yard sale, the Skidmore Block Party, our speaker’s forum programs, as well as community projects including beautification efforts and the pedestrian Flags on Fremont program.
A first this year was a follow-up survey sent to ticket purchasers. Event co-coordinator Patti Koehler expressed appreciation to those who took the time to respond to the survey.
“We learned a lot,” she said. “For one thing — we will definitely have a map on hand for garden-goers next year!”
BWNA is grateful to this year’s hosts for opening their gardens for this important fundraising event and to local gardening retailer Garden Fever for its generous sponsorship.
by Susan Trabucco, BWNA Board Member and Newsletter Editor
