A colorful explosion of hundreds of rose bushes and trees bloomed along the winding pathways of the Harris-Lass Museum House on May 12, enticing visitors to linger and take photographs.

The Harris-Lass Museum was just one of the stops on the annual garden tour, which allows Santa Clara residents to visit a selection of gardens chose by the Santa Clara Historic Preservation Society.

“Our gardens are a sanctuary, a place to wander and enjoy in the always changing seasons,” said the owner of a Taft Avenue garden. The pesticide-free garden was highlighted with roses, which are often chosen for their disease resistant qualities.

Docents served refreshments and greeted visitors at JW House. As the tour’s co-sponsor, J.W. House showcased its own garden filled with roses, wisteria, and lemon trees.

For information on next year’s tour call 408-249-7905.