Here is a well-known house in Martinez on a busy street that many of us drive by frequently that his owned by a horse woman. You can probably guess what she uses to fertilize the plants in her garden. Her house is a good example of a Craftsman bungalow. It was constructed in 1925. Owner: Sabine Pitts.

This homeowner planted water-conserving succulents around the statue in her garden. She also found a way to dress up a plan fence with some attractive turtles. She also was able to work eight fruit trees into her garden despite the fact that her house is not on an oversized lot. A unique aspect of this garden is that you will see tags identifying the name of the plants that you will be lookn at during the Tour.

Antique vehicles, classic automobiles or cars of the 1950s are parked in front of several homes during the Tour.

There are succulents galore, plants that need little in the way of water, in this garden which surrounds a two-tone brick home built in 1930. The homeowner has found yet another way to decorate plain, wooden fence. And you will see when you visit how she incorporated multi-colored wine bottles into art work that graces the garden. And the photo immediately above is an example of how stained glass can be incorporated into a garden. Homeowner: Christine Kiernan.

The owner of this house, built during World War II (1943) planted a formal garden around her retirement home. Formerly the owner of a large estate home in Alhambra Valley, she is now comfortably ensconsed in this smaller home with its easier-to-maintain garden. The side patio of the house is filled with art. And an example of her garden art appears in the photo immediately aove this caption. Owner: Kathleen Gdrimoldi.

Indicators of its Italian heritage abound at the historic Marazzani home in the Grangers Wharf area. Still owned by the family, there will be an impressive vegetable garden to inspect by the date of the Garden Tour.

During the home tours, you are entertained by local musicians at several of the houses. This is Debbie Wendt performing solo. However, she is also in a band called the Diablo Rhythm Wranglers.

Bus transportation is provided during the Tour, though you also have the option of driving your own car. Portions of the Tour are quite walkable also. There are tour guides on the buses. Council Member Noralea Gipner is pictured above volunteering as a guide.

The owners of this home transformed the back of their home into an impressive outdoor living area during the Pandemic. Among the home's features is a life-size chess board in the back year. Also a bar that is shown immediately above when the window has been opened up. Owners: Anne and Jason Martin

Although you always meet interesting people on the Tour, sometimes its nice to go with friends, i.e. people you already know. These Red Hat ladies arranged to do one of the past Home Tours together.

The Martinez Refining Company Clubhouse is the starting point for all Tours. There are rest rooms inside and there is plenty of parking outside. Complimentary water or coffee is available. The Clubhouse was built in 1937. It has a great Arts & Crafts interior of natural wood. Location: 1635 Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez.

The Diablo Regional Concert Band has a conflict and will not be able to play this year on the Tour. However, they will be providing a smaller ensemble for you to listen to while you are at the MRC Clubhouse. The Band is a self-supporting, all-volunteer organization. If you would like more information about the Band, please call Cora Martens at (925)451-6222.

Inside the Clubhouse, booths and displays are set up for the day. Kevin Murray will once again display his camera collection. The theme of his exhibit will be both fishing and Joe DiMaggio.

Joe and Marilyn Monoe married in 1954. Surviving photos seem to indicate that Marilyn was quite comfortable both behind a camera and, of course, posing in front of one.

Do you have any questions about Martinez history? If so, there is a good chance that Kathy Yates or Sharon Vladeff will have the answer -- or know where the answer can be found. You would have found them at the MRC Clubhouse during the Tour. During the year, they can often be found at the Martinez Museum where they serve as docents.

The MRC Alumni Museum is behind the Refinery Clubhouse parking lot. It depicts the history of oil refining in Martinez -- beginning with the construction of the Refinery in 1915. The Museum is staffed with docents who are retired Shell employees. They open this Museum for the Home Tour visitors.

The Martinez Museum is also open during home tours. It is the home of the Martinez Historical Society. It features both permanent and rotating exhibits. So there is always something new to see there. The current exhibit, set up for this summer, is entitled "Parks, Picnics and Parades".

Tickets for the Home Tour are available. They can be found by visiting the Martinez Historical Society booth at the Sunday Farmers Market on Main Street. You can also purchase the tickets online by switching to the Tickets page on this website.