Troy Hidden Garden Tour
May 22, 2025, 4 p.m - 7:30 p.m.

Popular Annual Event Promotes Socializing while Showcasing Livable City's Private Green Spaces

TROY, N.Y. (May 13, 2025) -- The Troy Hidden Garden Tour returns next week for its twenty-sixth year.

The popular annual tour, a fundraiser organized by Friends of Prospect Park, will be held rain or shine on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Last year, more than 1,400 people purchased tickets for the self-guided walking tour.

“The gardens are as diverse as the people who own them, each reflecting a unique personality,” said Peter Grimm, president of Friends of Prospect Park. “You’ll be surprised by the livability of downtown Troy, where our gardens serve as hidden extra rooms in the summer.” 

Grimm notes that several tour-goers have moved to Troy after experiencing its neighborhoods through the garden tour.  Every year, at least one Troy realtor purchases dozens of tickets for prospective homebuyers because the event is such a great showcase of the homes and the neighbors who live there.

This year’s self-guided walking tour features 42 private and semi-private gardens in the Washington Park, Historic Sage, and adjoining neighborhoods of downtown Troy. Tour-goers may check in after 4 p.m. at the Russell Sage College parking lot on First Street to receive the tour map.

“Some people worry about not visiting every garden, but it’s not a race,” said Duncan Crary, who has promoted the event for a decade. “Enjoy the gardens and the good vibes at your own pace and come back next year for more!”

Gardens may be visited in any order, though tour-goers may be steered to certain gardens first to reduce early crowding. Suggested garden cluster routes, provided on the tour map, range from 0.5 to 0.8 miles. 

“Troy’s alleyways, which are lined with carriage houses, make this tour unique, creating a sense of entering a secret place,” said Phyllis Conroy, chair of the Troy Hidden Garden Tour Committee. “These pleasant, peaceful alleys are rarely seen by non-residents.”

Rotating and Changing Gardens

The Troy Hidden Garden Tour changes every year, with a varying number and selection of gardens. Some gardens may not appear in consecutive years, and even returning gardens evolve as owners make alterations. This year’s tour includes several first-time gardens and returning favorites back from hiatus.

“The Troy Hidden Garden Tour is as much about socializing as exploring gardens,” said Rhe Potenza, whose garden is featured. “People return annually for the joyful atmosphere, stunning architecture, and to smell the flowers. Discover what’s hidden behind Troy’s charming brownstones!”

Many scenes from HBO’s *The Gilded Age* were filmed in the same historic neighborhoods featured on the Hidden Garden Tour.

Live Music

A flute quartet will perform from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the check-in area, followed by a high-energy percussion performance by Troy Samba.

Dining and Local Businesses

Many tour-goers stay afterward to dine at downtown Troy’s restaurants or explore nearby businesses.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Russell Sage College lot at First and Division Streets, with additional free lots farther south on First Street.

Access

Wheelchair and stroller access is limited. Dogs are not permitted in private gardens.

Tickets

Admission to the Troy Hidden Garden Tour is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event, rain or shine. Advance tickets are available online at https://www.hiddengardentour.com/tickets or at Truly Rhe, 1 Broadway.

About Friends of Prospect Park

The Hidden Garden Tour is presented by The Friends of Prospect Park, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All proceeds from the Hidden Garden Tour benefit ongoing improvement projects in Prospect Park, located on Congress Street in Troy.

Since 1996, The Friends of Prospect Park have worked to enhance enjoyment of the Park through annual brush-ups, playground improvements, updated signage, increased musical programming, bulb and tree plantings, new benches, with further upgrades planned.

For information, visit: https://www.hiddengardentour.com

Connect on social media at https://www.facebook.com/HiddenGardensTroy/ or https://www.instagram.com/troyhiddengardentour/ (@troyhiddengardentour )

Media Contact: Duncan Crary (518) 274-2723 DCC@DuncanCrary.com