by Connie Oswald Stofko
In other areas of the United States, there might be 15 private gardens to visit in one year.
In Western New York, there are about 200 gardens to see this week alone!
Open Gardens begin this Thursday and Friday, and six garden walks take place this weekend.
Open Gardens
Open Gardens start Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8.
Like garden walks, you can visit these private gardens at certain times and days. Instead of being held on weekends, Open Gardens welcome you on Thursdays and Fridays in July.
There are about 100 gardens to visit! But if your time is limited, don’t worry. The organizers have grouped the gardens geographically to help you make the most of your time.
To see where the gardens are and what hours they are open, you need an Open Gardens and Garden Event Guide. Included are maps showing where the gardens are, a listing of the hours that each garden is open, and descriptions of the gardens.
Ways to get an Open Gardens Guide:
- At select garden centers and shops ($10 donation, cash only). See the list of garden centers here.
- Buy the Open Gardens smartphone app wherever you buy your apps ($4.99).
Garden Walks
Six garden walks will take place this weekend.
Springville Concord Garden Walk
The Springville Concord Garden Walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9.
Pick up booklets, including map and raffle tickets for door prizes, at the gazebo in Fiddler’s Green, 51 North Buffalo St., Springville.
This is a free and self-guided tour.
There will be participants both from the village of Springville and in close proximity to the village. The gardens include interesting features, beautiful and unique creations and well planned garden spaces. All are handicapped accessible.
North Tonawanda Garden Walk
The North Tonawanda Garden Walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10.
The walk is free and self guided.
Maps will be available at the walk’s headquarters, the Carnegie Art Center, 240 Goundry St., North Tonawanda.
Special features include historic homes, water features, shade gardens, sculptures and pollinator friendly sites.
Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk & Fair
The Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk & Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10.
The walk is free and self guided.
Special features: Visit Memorial Park to shop at the garden vendor fair. Pick up the map with descriptions of the gardens that vary from formal to whimsical, including sunny poolsides, shady waterfalls, rainbows of perennials, organic vegetables and colorful containers. Don’t miss the Eighteen Mile Creek Overlook with its quaint gazebo and herb garden and the Trolley Stop, a village volunteer effort initiated by Imagine: Hamburg. Notice the lush plantings in the roundabouts, bumpouts and pots, provided by the volunteer committee known as the “Beauts.”
Town of Amherst Garden Walk
The Town of Amherst Garden Walk will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10.
The walk is free and self guided.
Maps are available at most Amherst garden centers.
Snyder-CleveHill Garden View
The Snyder-CleveHill Garden View will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10.
A $2 donation is appreciated, but not required. The tour is self guided.
Pick up maps at Trillium’s Courtyard Florist, 2195 Kensington Ave., Amherst.
This 19th annual tour includes about 30 private gardens and carefully tended public spaces. Gardens of all shapes, types and sizes are set against a backdrop of 1910-1950 architecture. Many garden styles and plant types are represented, as are water features and garden structures.
Lockport in Bloom
Lockport in Bloom will take place 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 8 for the twilight tour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It’s a free city-wide walking/driving tour of gardens and public parks throughout the City of Lockport.
Maps for this year‘s garden walk are now available at Tom’s Diner, Summit MSP, Lockport Discovery Center, Steamworks Coffee Roasters, Badding Brothers, Julie Muscato Home/ Gifts, Lincoln Square wine and spirits, Herbal Magick. Maps will also be available the day of the walk at the Kenan Center.
Hi Selena, thank you so much! I didn’t get info on Lockport’s event. I am adding it now.
Lockport in Bloom is this weekend as well, Friday July 8 for the twilight tour 7-10 pm and Saturday and Sunday during the day.