Many honor their moms and motherly figures on Mother’s Day by giving flower bouquets, flowering plants or cards with flower prints. This Mother’s Day weekend, perhaps you could spend time with your mom, grandmother, aunt, sister or friend while looking at the flowers during the Clayton Historical Society’s 18th annual Clayton Valley Gardens Tour.

The tour takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8. Touring Clayton Valley gardens with someone you love and appreciate would be a great prelude to this nationally recognized holiday. The gardens exhibited during this year’s tour have something for any type of garden lover. The panoramic views surrounding the California living landscape at the home of John and Meridy Challoner is breathtaking. All of the spring rain has kept the hills beneath Mt. Diablo lush and green, creating a beautiful backdrop to the Challoners’ pool and waterfall. The slope garden behind the outdoor kitchen is in full bloom, with alstromeria, wallflower and lantana. The Challoner home has dynamite curb appeal, with traditional plantings and cool green grass.

The Clayton garden of Kelly Marshall and Michael Weidner is a contrast to traditional landscape. This home’s entire front yard is planted with California natives. From afar, the front looks cottage-like with piles of purple, deep pink and white flowers. Walk the stone path to get a better look at the vast selection of California natives represented in this landscape. Or sit upon the iron bench for another view. A Mediterranean inspired side yard is anchored by an urn waterfall and engulfed with fragrant lavender. The children of this home spend free time playing on the play structure, planted with a living roof. This is quite an inspirational sight to see.

Pete and Sherie Laurence’s garden is an opportunity to get lost in nature. Meandering walkways lead tour-goers to various fountains, sitting areas and secret garden settings. Located under several mighty oak trees, this garden has many entertainment possibilities – including a putting green, regulation-size horseshoe pit, firepit sitting area, and BBQ island and bar.

When you approach the home of Steve and Julie Pierce, you can’t help but notice the detail taken with the paved driveway and staked stone walls. The hardscape is exceptional. Once in the back yard, the monument-sized waterfall attracts the eye.

Colorful plantings include roses, salvia, heartleaf bergenia and azalea. This garden shares a fence with an historic bonus garden. You are encouraged to pass through the gate and see a bit of Clayton’s rich history.

Brian and Kim Wurtz’s Vista Point garden is personal and planted with loving detail. Each plant and tree has been chosen and planted by the Wurtz family. The container plantings that surround the entry area and the poolside patio are filled with colors and textures. Kim has decorative garden pieces placed on the fences and walls of the home. Ornamentation is hanging in the trees, and obelisks stand sturdy for the vines to travel. Take the steps to the gazebo atop the back hill for a stunning view of Clayton and Concord.

Tickets are available on tour days at the downtown Clayton Museum. Tickets are $30, with proceeds going directly to the historical society.

For more information, call 672-0240 or visit claytonhistory.org.