Unleash Your Green Thumb: Top Picks for Summer 2025's Private Garden Tours
Discover 350 Hidden U.S. Gardens, Typically Inaccessible, This Summer: Locate a Secluded Garden Near You This Season
Ever wondered what magical gardens lay hidden behind people's closed gates? For three decades, The Garden Conservancy's Open Days program has granted us a sneak peek into America's most enchanting private gardens. With more than a million visitors treading upon the soil of 4,500 gardens across the country, it's the only nationwide garden visiting program of its kind.
This year, as the event moves into its 30th anniversary, it'll be spread across 350 private gardens in 22 states, with an astounding 100 new gardens joining the team. Though it kicked off in April, the real showstoppers are yet to come—especially over those sunny summer months.
While public botanical gardens are a fantastic source of inspiration, exploring private gardens makes your own green dreams feel more achievable. From urban rooftops and organic farms to innovative suburban backyards and historic estates, these gardens offer glimpses into the talents of master gardeners and a chance to wander through normally off-limits picture-perfect settings.
As James Brayton Hall, the President and CEO of The Garden Conservancy, notes, "Garden visiting is more than just a leisurely stroll; it's an immersive experience that stirs the senses and feeds the soul. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, appreciate artistry, and find inspiration from gardeners' dedication and vision."
How to Get Your Garden On
To get your garden adventure started, head over to the Garden Conservancy's website for a complete list of gardens open for the 2025 season. Registration is a cool $10 per person or $5 for members, with kiddos under 12 getting in for free when accompanied by an adult. All registrations must be processed online.
Without further ado, let's dive into some must-visit gardens slated to open between June and August.
Pond Ridge, Lake Forest, IL
This Howard Van Doren Shaw cottage gardens originated as part of a grand estate. When the current owners bought the place in 1998, it had undergone several renovations and sported a concrete and juniper-heavy landscape. Landscape architect Douglas Hoerr was tasked with creating a low-maintenance garden with a French feel, featuring boxwood hedges and gravel paths. The star here is structure, not flowers. Catch it on July 12, 2025.
Lim Garden, Woodinville, WA
This beautiful private garden boasts over 2,500 species and cultivars, showcasing rare gems and newly debuted plants that captivate visitors with their lush foliage, diverse forms, and natural density. Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Lim Garden is a must-visit between June and August. Check it out on July 19, 2025.
InSitu, Redding, CT
Surrounded by forests, grasslands, meandering streams, and rock ledges, InSitu is an awe-inspiring 28-acre sculpture garden where nature and art intertwine. Over two decades in the making, this garden's owner has crafted a unique blend of architecture, horticulture, and sculpture. Don't miss it on August 23, 2025.
Cat-n-Fiddle Garden, Akron, OH
This ever-changing garden covers less than half an acre, but it's filled with unexpected surprises that blend mechanical delight with lush foliage and bold plant combinations. Each area—from the welcoming front garden to the shady backyard oasis bordering a Metro Park forest—will leave you spellbound. Visit on July 12, 2025.
Lost Pond, Hillsdale, NY
A labor of love for novelist Anne Landsman and architect James Wagman, the Lost Pond is a beautifully pollinator-friendly retreat featuring a charming vernal pond, lush perennial borders, and a natural swimming pool. Grab your flippers and dive in on August 16, 2025.
Renaissance Italy Comes to River Street, Salem, MA
Step back in time and stroll through this intimate 2,049 square foot garden adorned with interlocking garden rooms and axial views that evoke the spirit of Renaissance Italy. Rich in detail, with an emphasis on hardscapes and mature hedging, this hidden gem provides a perfect setting for dining, entertaining, or quiet reflection. Slow-motion classical battles not included! Swoon over it on July 26, 2025.
Denver Dry Garden, Denver, CO
In this historic neighborhood street, a classic white bungalow hides a stunning backyard oasis filled with an array of succulents, cacti, and native plants. resignedly suffering from dry spells, this garden radiates a desert-like charm. Find it in bloom on June 28, 2025.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, get ready to immerse yourself in nature's beauty this summer! And who knows—you might even pick up a tip or two along the way.
Immerse yourself in an array of enchanting private gardens this summer by visiting the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program. From the urban oasis of Denver Dry Garden in Denver, CO, to the Italian-inspired Renaissance garden in Salem, MA, these gardens offer unique insights into the talents of master gardeners and provide a chance to wander through normally off-limits picture-perfect settings. While exploring private gardens like these, you might find inspiration for enhancements to your own home-and-garden lifestyle.
