We are arranging, with the immense help of our Tour Venue Coordinator, Lawrence Baker, a series of Members Only Garden Tours. For each tour, you will need to make a reservation so that we can ease the parking situation for the homeowner. The tours will be of the garden only. When you make your reservation you will receive directions to the garden.
A large imposing metal gate, commissioned to resemble the San Francisco de Asis church nearby, guards the entrance to Casa Sanctuario. As you enter, you will immediately understand why the owners, one a lawyer and the other a former traveling nurse, farmer and Master Gardener, have given this name to their charming property. Three distinct and delightful patio gardens of this ancient Ranchos de Taos property, once part of the Cristobal de la Serna land grant of the Martinez family, are a treat to visit.
The front part of the house was built 200 years ago (you can peek into the kitchen/dining room area). The āLā attachment was built 400 years ago. In the first patio garden, several varieties of trees provide partial shade but still allow flowers and shrubs to thrive. Explore all of the nooks and crannies before leaving via the back gate to view two more garden areas. The second one contains huge hollyhocks, roses, Gaillardia, California Poppies, Mexican Hat, more sunflowers, strawberries, onions, garlic, squash, tomato plants propped up in unusual wooden frames and fruit trees. All of these vegetables and fruit happily co-exist.
Proceed up the steps to a sunbathing deck and a spacious new painting studio, open for your viewing pleasure. Opposite is the entrance to the private master bedroom garden. Here, enjoy more flowers and fruit trees, colorfully planted pots and a bubbling fountain. Retracing your steps, go down the back stone steps to the orchard and hoop house. Please walk up the driveway to return to your car.
No bathroom or water is available.