By Julie Chai, Sunset associate editor

The Ross Garden Tour, a fund-raising event benefitting the Fine Arts Program of Ross School, will be held this Saturday, May 10, from 9 am to 3 pm.  It's an opportunity to see five grand gardens -- a sweeping Mediterranean estate surrounded by majestic views, the former country home of the Ghiradelli family, a grand Tudor estate garden, and more.

The tour begins at the Marin Art and Garden Center.  Vans will shuttle visitors between gardens.  Tickets are $35.  You can purchase them ahead of time on-line or at the Center the day of the event.  An alfresco picnic lunch ($15) will also be available from 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Procrastinators also have a chance to buy their Mother's Day present.  Artisans and shops will offer one-of-a-kind gifts at the MarketPlace.

For purposes of planning, the tour takes approximately three hours to complete, the last van leaves at 1:30, and the gardens close promptly at 3 p.m.

See the Tour's website for a preview of the gardens and additional information.