Nothing says “spring is in bloom” like a gorgeous, lush garden! You may have heard of a couple of official garden tours that are happening in the upcoming months throughout the Capital Region – we’ve rounded up the tours taking place that you’ll want to check out, and we have a few bonus gardens that are worth seeing as well.
2018 Capital Region Garden Tours
Garden tours are typically self-guided tours where you can visit a variety of home gardens in the region. This is a chance to get an intimate look at another side of our area that most never see, and you’re sure to feel inspired by great gardening ideas!
These gardens include everything from blooming flowers to fresh vegetables and herbs, from stone pathways to water fountains to striking sculptures. You just never know what you might come across!
A note on what to expect for a garden tour: You’ll want to wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing, as these tours often take place rain or shine. Not all gardens are equipped for, or allow, dogs or strollers so you’ll want to ask the organizers for further details if necessary.
Troy’s Hidden Garden Tour: May 24th
You may not know it from the city streets of Troy, but many incredible gardens are hidden away behind private residences! Troy’s Hidden Garden Tour is incredibly popular, and offers an exclusive look into these secret sanctuaries.
This self-guided walking tour features about 20 backyard gardens in the downtown Troy area and tickets are $10. Proceeds from this garden tour go towards The Friends of Prospect Park, a nonprofit that takes care of improvement projects in Prospect Park on Congress Street.
Soroptimist Garden Tour: June 16th
The Soroptimist Garden Tour that takes place in Schenectady County will feature eight private gardens and tickets are $20; they also have a buy-five-get-one-free deal going on.
Proceeds from this garden tour go towards community organizations that provide support and assistance to women and girls.
Albany’s Hidden City House & Garden Tour: June 21st
This is a really cool and unique garden tour, because guests tour not only vibrant area gardens but historic homes as well! Albany’s Hidden City House & Garden Tour explores homes and gardens in Center Square, Hudson/Park, and Washington Park neighborhoods in Albany.
Tickets are $20 per person for this tour up through June 15th, and then will be $25 from the 16th until the day of the tour on the 21st, so get your tickets early!
Secret Gardens Tour: July 8th
The self-guided Secret Gardens Tour takes place in Saratoga County and is brought to us by the Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. The tour will include 10 gardens that will range from urban to rural and from private to public.
As with the Soroptimist Garden Tour in Schenectady, this tour also serves as a fundraiser for the great work the Soroptimist organization carries out to improve the lives of women and girls. This tour costs $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour – if tickets are still available.
Bonus Garden Tour Event
Garden and Herb Tour and Talk: June 23rd
The Shaker Heritage Society in Albany is hosting a Garden and Herb Tour and Talk, where you can see over 100 varieties of plants that have been historically grown and used by the Shakers. They’re asking for just a $5 donation.
Public Gardens Worth Checking Out
Carve out some time on your own to visit one of these two beautiful gardens we’re lucky to have in the Capital Region!
Central Park Rose Garden – Schenectady
The Central Park Rose Garden is a hidden gem in Schenectady where you can see over 4,000 rose bushes from June through October, along with a tiered center fountain, a babbling brook, and a pond.
Once upon a time the Central Park Rose Garden was falling into disrepair, but in the mid-1990s the Rose Garden Restoration Committee was formed. Ever since, the group has been keeping this local treasure alive and thriving.
Yaddo Gardens – Saratoga
Yaddo Gardens in Saratoga is the other primary public garden in the area you must make a point to visit. The 400-acre estate includes exquisite greenery, stunning Italian marble statues, beautiful roses, and so much more.
Roses are in bloom from mid-June through July, and then peak again during mid- to late-August. The rock garden is in bloom from mid-June through mid-September.
Garden tours are offered at Yaddo on Saturdays and Sundays from June 23rd to September 2nd for $10 per person.
