The inaugural Stockton Rose Garden Tour on April 25 promises a spring day steeped in color, fragrance and community pride as guests explore five of the city’s most cherished rose gardens. Running from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the self‑guided tour invites attendees to wander through spaces that highlight Stockton’s horticultural heritage and the people who have nurtured it.

Event coordinator Carrie Sass said the tour is meant to showcase the beauty that often goes unnoticed in everyday life. “There is so much beauty in our community,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to gather together and enjoy it.”

Ticket holders will visit the University Park World Peace Rose Garden, the private garden of Gerry Dunlap at the Jane and Jerry Butterfield home, the Faye Fotini Spanos Rose Garden at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, the Gerry Dunlap Rose Garden at the Haggin Museum and the Rose Garden at Knoles Lawn on the University of the Pacific campus. Each stop will offer refreshments, live music and activities ranging from floral arranging demonstrations to conversations with Master Gardeners.

For many, the timing is part of the magic. “The first blooms of roses in late spring are spectacular,” said Carol Burns of the Stockton Garden Club. “April’s Rose Garden Tour will give guests the best of spring roses.”

The event is presented by SASS! Public Relations in partnership with the Stockton Garden Club and Stockton Beautiful. Proceeds will fund scholarships for Delta College horticulture students, tying the celebration of today’s gardens to the cultivation of tomorrow’s growers. Stockton Beautiful president Marilyn Myrah said the tour reflects the deep symbolism roses have carried for centuries. “Roses have always held special meanings for people, including love, passion and beauty,” she said. “Come and experience the beauty firsthand, breathe deeply and let the beauty unfold before your eyes.”

Tickets are $25 and available at several local retailers, including Best Wishes and SASS! Public Relations in Lincoln Center, With Garden Flair on Pacific Avenue, In Season on Alpine Avenue, Fig & Fern in Woodbridge and The French Bee Nursery in Linden. The tour is supported by Rose Garden Sponsors Dea Spanos Berberian and The 54 Fund; Full Bloom Sponsors Judi Hachman and Fritz and Phyllis Grupe; and Rose Bud Sponsors Kathy Lagorio Janssen, Team Zap, Haggerty Construction, Jeff Gamboni Architecture and Bank of Stockton.