Page 33 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2021

Every spring in Troy, the public has a chance to step computer or mobile devices. Twelve gardeners recorded
into dozens of private gardens in the city’s charming and historic downtown. “Most people only ever see the facades of our brownstones from the streets,” said Peter Grimm, president of the Friends of Prospect Park which organizes the annual tour. “This is a special kind of event that invites visitors into the hidden, green spaces of our city. It really showcases the humanity and livability of Troy.”
Now in its 22nd year, the tour will be held rain or shine on Thursday, June 10, though the format will depend on the COVID-19 guidelines at that time. In the past, as a one-day, self-guided walking tour, the event has attracted more than 1,000 tourgoers to explore dozens of private backyard gardens in the Historic Sage, Washington Park and adjoining neighborhoods of downtown Troy.
While most of the gardens are approximately the same size, about 20 feet by 30 feet, they vary greatly in style. Some of the gardens feature charming pathways, fountains and pools. Some are filled with flowers, while others have more plants and vegetables – all are lovingly tended by gardeners of all skill levels.
Certain stops on the tour are “legacy gardens,” handed down from one homeowner to the next, like tour founder Nina Pattison’s English Cottage Garden, now tended by its new owners Mark Shipley and Sara Tack. Past tours have even inspired tourgoers to buy homes of their own in Troy neighborhoods.
In 2020, the tour was held virtually for the first time and featured 28 gardens, captured in 360-degree interactive photographs that viewers could explore online with their
personal video messages, which were embedded in their stop. The virtual format allowed viewers from all over the world to visit Trojans’ blooming backyards.
“Whether it’s in-person or virtual or some combination of both, Trojans will still welcome guests into their gardens this year, rain or shine,” said Phyllis Conroy, Troy Hidden Garden Tour Committee chair. “We’re proud to continue this beloved neighborhood tradition with safety in mind.”
For in-person, self-guided tours, guests can check in at the Russell Sage College Parking lot on First Street to receive their Hidden Garden Tour map indicating where the selected gardens are located. The gardens may be visited in any order.
As the tour has grown to include more and more gardens, it is not likely that tourgoers will be able to visit every single garden. The map suggests four possible garden cluster tour routes. Comfortable shoes are advised. Dogs are welcome in Troy’s neighborhoods, but not directly in the gardens.
The Troy Hidden Garden Tour is a fundraiser to
benefit Troy’s Prospect Park. Since 1996, the Friends of Prospect Park have worked to enhance the enjoyment of the Park through annual brush-ups, playground improvements, updated signage, increased musical programming, bulb and tree plantings and new benches, with further upgrades planned.
For more information, visit hiddengardentour.com or look for Troy Hidden Garden Tour on Facebook and Instagram.
Troy’s Hidden Garden Tour
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