There are a tremendous amount of activities to choose from in the North Tahoe area, but this year’s Lake of the Sky Garden Tour on Saturday, July 30, is distinctively different from any other event — or any of the last 27 tour years.

This year’s tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering seven traditional gardens and a native garden, all enhanced with established artists displaying in the gardens, with resource individuals at the Tahoe City Historic Field Hatchery to answer questions on types of vigorous and sustainable plants for the Tahoe Basin, water conservation options and research programs that embrace public participation.

This self-guided tour between Kings Beach and Tahoe City will have three lakefront gardens, two lake-view gardens, a garden designed by a master gardener and national judge, an intimate garden that exudes tranquility, and the 3-acre native garden, part of the Hatchery facility that has been developed through the help of master gardener David Long.

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Within the Tahoe City Historic Field Hatchery-UC Davis Eriksson Education Center will be exhibits explaining Tahoe history and current research projects, as well as individuals to address various gardening, environmental and water issues.

These individuals include Eric Larusson, certified arborist and owner of the Villager Nursery in Truckee, who will address questions on available and sustainable plants for the Sierra.

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Kurt Althof of the Tahoe City PUD will discuss water conservation tips and programs that include smart irrigation sensors and devices, complemented by Robert Nooren, representative for Rain Bird Products, who will demonstrate sprinkler options and alternatives.

Eben Swain of the Truckee River Watershed Council will identify the research and public participation programs occurring within the Truckee area.

At 11 a.m., Bree Lewis will discuss “Tahoe Plants=Tasty Teas” — plants that can be grown in the garden.

Participating local artists include water colorist and acrylic artist Eva Nichols, who also teaches a wide range of classes within the communities of Tahoe, Truckee and Reno.

Heidi Reeves, a signature water colorist and pastel artist, will display Tahoe scenes, with Jenny Antonnuci, an active hiker and pastel artist, highlighting poignant Tahoe wildlife.

Loreen Thomas is a skilled acrylic artist specializing in landscapes and still life, while Randy Blasquez will display oil impressionism, reflecting back on historic Russian techniques.

Catherine J. Strand is a glass artist who transforms the brilliance of glass into functional garden, home and wearable art. David Lobenberg, seen on PBS and exhibited nationally and internationally in water color and acrylics, will have on show his distinctive impressionist style of bright colors and loose style of Tahoe scenes.

For questions on specific plants, gardening dilemmas and inventive solutions, Shana Behan, Heather Mosier and David Long will be at three of the gardens.

The brochure/ticket for this tour is $25, and can be purchased at any of the nurseries in Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Incline Village and Truckee, as well as by telephone to Patti Orlando at 775-745-6443.

Proceeds from this event go to scholarships for students studying related environmental areas and projects that beautify public spaces within the Tahoe-Truckee area.

The Historic Fish Hatchery is located at 2400 Lake Forest Road in Tahoe City.

Emilie Kashtan is publicity chair for the Lake of the Sky Garden Tour. Visit bit.ly/2a9Mh2U to learn more.