Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Essex, Connecticut
$35 in advance, $40 day of tour
The 2026 Hidden Gardens Tour marks the kickoff of the Essex Garden Club’s 75th year, inviting visitors to explore a curated collection of eight private gardens in the Essex villages of Ivoryton and Centerbrook.
Pick up your tickets and hidden garden listings at the Ivoryton Gazebo, then proceed at your own pace touring these beautiful gardens.
Rain or shine. Non-refundable. No dogs.
Pace yourself as you enjoy 8 unique New England gardens including a surprise roof-top garden of a prominent local business. June blooms featuring roses, peonies, bleeding hearts, irises, and wisteria-clad pergolas blend in well with shady woodland gardens of hostas, native wildflowers, and carpets of ferns and moss. Water features can be seen on this garden tour - from koi fishponds to a fishing ladder that encourages fish to swim upstream. Seasonal vegetable and cutting gardens are enclosed in a variety of square foot features. Patio and fire pit spaces are tucked away to enjoy the gardens day and night. Venture through gardens, weaving along paths to some fun features such as a chicken coop turned into a resting spot, or a gaggle of runner ducks excited to meet you. For the rock lover, a cascading riverbed runs from top to bottom in one of the gardens.
FAQs
Pick up your tickets and guide at the Ivoryton Gazebo, next to the Ivoryton Playhouse and across from the Ivoryton Library.
Tour eight unique private gardens in the surrounding Ivoryton and Centerbrook area
A self-guided tour at your own pace
Inspiration for gardeners of all levels
$35 in advance
$40 day of tour
Proceeds from the Hidden Gardens Tour support the Essex Garden Club’s mission:
Civic beautification
Conservation and environmental stewardship
Educational programs, including scholarships and youth initiatives
By attending, you’re helping sustain a tradition of care that has shaped Essex since 1952.
Founded in 1952, the Essex Garden Club enters its 75th year in 2026. The Hidden Gardens Tour launches a year-long celebration honoring our history while looking ahead to the future.
Rain or shine. Non-refundable.
No dogs - while we love our furry friends, they are not permitted during garden tours.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Garden locations provided with ticket purchase