Become a garden voyeur this season by participating in one of the many organized private garden tours.
The Garden Conservancy is a national organization dedicated to preserving America’s most significant private gardens. Each year hundreds of private gardens hold Open Days to raise money to support Garden Conservancy’s work of preserving private gardens for future generations to enjoy. The current year’s Open Days Directory is for sale in winter and is useful for planning garden touring trips across the country. Available online at www.gardenconservancy.org/ or call (845) 265 2029. Washington had nearly 40 private gardens open in 2004. There is a nominal admission charge to visit each garden.
Local communities also organize charitable garden tours which usually feature 5 to 10 private gardens within driving distance. Some tours also include speakers or music. The Elisabeth C. Miller Library compiles a list of regional tours.