F A Q

1. What is the Garden Tour?
The Garden Tour is an annual fundraising event to benefit the Fine Arts program of Ross School, the local public school. Orchestrated by the Ross School PTA and its parent volunteers, the Garden Tour goes "Beyond the Garden Gate" to tour five private, beautifully landscaped gardens in the town of Ross. For more information about the Garden Tour, see About Us. To see highlights of past Garden Tours and to preview this year’s gardens, see our Preview page.

2. When, where and what time is the Garden Tour?
The Garden Tour will take place Saturday, May 10th, 2008, from 9:00am-3:00pm. The tour takes 3 hours. Tickets are non-refundable regardless of how many gardens visited. Vans will leave rain or shine.

3. How much are tickets?
Tickets are $ 35 each. This includes admission to all five gardens and transportation. Lunch tickets are $15.

4. Where can I buy tickets? Can I buy them the day of the tour?
You can purchase tickets one of several ways:

You may order garden tour tickets and lunch tickets online through our secure Paypal buttons on the Purchase Tickets page. There is a minimal 3.9% handling charge. All tickets will be held at will call.

You can download our Ticket Purchase Form on our Purchase Tickets page. Please mail completed form to Beyond the Garden Gate, Ross School PTA, P.O. Box 1058, Ross CA 94957 OR you can fax completed form to 415-457-6724. Please make all checks payable to Ross School PTA. We accept only VISA or Mastercard for credit card purchases. For further information, please contact us via email at info@RossGardenTour.org or you can call us at 415-482-7983 x401. All tickets purchased by mail are held at the door.

From March 23rd, you can also purchase tickets at the following select retail locations:
• David M. Brian, 110 Bon Air Shopping Center
• Ross Grocery, Poplar and Redwood Drive, Ross (weekdays only)
• Sunnyside Nursery, 130 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo
• West End Nursery, 1938 5th Avenue, San Rafael
• Woodlands Floral, 735 College Avenue, Kentfield

You may purchase tickets on the day of the event, subject to availability, at our Garden Tour Registration table at the Marin Art & Garden Center.

5. Online ticket purchase possible?
Yes, you may order garden tour tickets and lunch tickets online through our secure transaction Paypal buttons on the Purchase Tickets page. There is a minimal 3.9% handling charge. Tickets will be held at the door.

6. Where do I start the Garden Tour? How long is the tour?
The Garden Tour begins at the Marin Art & Garden Center located at 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Ross. Gardens are open between 9:00am-3:00pm. The tour takes 3 hours. Gardens will close promptly at 3:00pm.

7. Do I have to show up at 9am?
Shuttles depart from the Marin Art & Garden Center every 15 minutes beginning at 9 am. Please note that it is most crowded first thing in the morning. Wait times for vans tend to be less around 11am. The last van departs at 1:30pm. Homes close at 3:00pm. The bike tour is self-guided. Maps will be provided at the start. Bicyclists may depart anytime from 9-1pm. While waiting or if you have some extra time, you can browse in the MarketPlace, the Garden Tour's on-site boutique with great gifts. It is located by the pick-up & drop-off point for the Tour. Hours are from 9am-3pm. See our MarketPlace page for more details.

8. Are there car seats for babies/kids in the vans?
Unfortunately, our vans are not equipped with and cannot accommodate infant or child car seats.

9. Are children under 12 free? Are strollers allowed?
All children must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult at all times. Regrettably, the gardens are not stroller accessible.

10. If I have specific questions about the gardens, who do I ask?
Docents will be available at each garden to answer your questions.

11. How much is lunch? Are just coffee and snacks available?
The Al Fresco luncheon, catered by Woodlands Market, is $15. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the same locations as tour tickets (see point 4 above). This is recommended to guarantee a lunch on the day.Coffee and other refreshments are available at the Refreshment Table from 8.30am.

12. How does the Bike Tour work?
Riders go to the registration desk at the Marin Art & Garden Center to pick up their programs and maps, and to sign their release form. Helmets are required. Bike Tour is self-paced and departures can occur anytime between 9:00am and 1:00pm (houses close promptly at 3:00pm).

13. What are the activities going on the day of the Garden Tour?
From 8:30am, you can pick up a pastry, coffee or beverage at our Refreshment Table. Beginning at 9:00am, shuttles depart every 15 minutes from the Marin Art & Garden Center. Tour lasts approximately 3 hours. The last van leaves at 1:30pm. For those looking for that perfect present for Mother's Day, a fine selection of gifts and specialty items are available at the MarketPlace from 9:00am-3:00pm. (No tickets required.) From 11:00-2:30 pm, a scrumptious Al Fresco Luncheon is available, brought to us by Woodlands Market. Tickets are $15 day of the event and can be purchased in advance at the same locations as tour tickets (see point 4 above). This is recommended to guarantee a lunch on the day.

14. Are the tickets refundable?
The tour takes place rain or shine. Both tour and lunch tickets are non-refundable.