Garden Visit: Alice Parcell and Tom Rudge Garden

Saturday, August 22, 2026: Open Garden at the Redwood Shores garden of Alice Parcell & Tom Runge

On Saturday, August 22nd, society members Alice Parcell and Tom Runge will be hosting a gathering of the Society on the grounds of their Redwood Shores home. Originally developed in the 1970’s, Alice and Tom moved into their current Redwood Shores home--which opens onto the Redwood Shores Lagoon--in 1992. Originally landscaped primarily with junipers and cypress, they overhauled the landscape in 2012 to update the garden’s structures and hard landscape. Alice and Tom wanted to introduce plant materials that would remind them of Hawaii and contribute to the island aesthetic they desired with the redesign. Their interest in palms began with the reimagining of the garden and they attending society meetings around this time to learn more about the palm aesthetic garden.  They began planting some of the original palms and backbone subtropical plants, plantings they have thoughtfully supplemented over the past 15 years. The garden is on a one third acre lot and the backyard is anchored by a meandering arched walkway which connects the many patio, lanai and secluded garden room spaces. Interspersed amongst these spaced are a vivid and carefully curated collection of garden vignettes containing multiple palm species and lush subtropical palm companions.

When: Saturday, August 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Redwood Shores-this is a private garden and the address will be forwarded upon registration.

Food: We will be hosting a Society potluck, so bring something that you enjoy and you think others will enjoy. The Society will provide beverages, utensils and other necessities.

Schedule: 1:00-2:00 p.m. - collect in Alice & Tom’s backyard, say hello to palm friends and have a bite.

                  2:00-3:00 p.m. - casual garden tour through the garden with Alice & Tom who will point out highlights and share their garden experiences.

                  3:00-4:00 p.m. - we will reconvene on the central patio around the fire pit for a society meeting and plant auction. As always, please be as generous in your donations to and participation in the auction.

Parking: The residence is at the end of a wide cul-de-sac and there is ample parking on the outside and inner curbs of the cul-de-sac. There is also ample parking on the road leading to the cul-de-sac.

We hope you can join us for a memorable afternoon exploring a remarkable garden and location.