Annual fundraiser to showcase residents’ private garden spaces
TROY – Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year is the Troy Hidden Garden Tour. The annual fundraiser event, organized by the Friends of Prospect Park, will return to Troy Thursday, May 23, 4:00-7:30 p.m.
In 2023, the event attracted more than 1,200 patrons who took part in the rain or shine self-guided tour, according to Spokesman Duncan Crary.
This year’s fundraiser will include 30 private and semi-private gardens on the self guided tour. Patrons can check in after 4 p.m. at the Russell Sage College parking lot, located on First Street to receive their tour map before checking out the gardens within Troy’s Washington Park, Historic Sage, and adjoining neighborhoods of the city.
Returning this year is the Sage College President’s House garden tour after a short hiatus. New to the festival, the Van Rensselaer Garden Club will provide tips to patrons in its “Thrillers, Spillers, and Fillers” program on how to fill garden pots at the Hart Cluett Museum courtyard deck. The garden club will also sell its perennials and containers to interested customers.
Live music will also be provided by a flute quartet at the Russell Sage College parking, 4-6 p.m., followed by a percussion show from Troy Samba.
Proceeds from this year’s event, according to Peter Grimm, president of the Friends of Prospect Park and garden tour event participant, will go directly to Prospect Park for its site improvements and to sponsor its educational and cultural programs, including this year’s Shakespeare in the Park and The Circus events.
Grimm, who has been involved in the tour since its formation in 1999, has hosted his garden yearly to visitors. Every year, he enjoys seeing the delighted and surprised reactions of the tour goers who visit his garden, Grimm said.
Rhe Potenza, business owner of Truly Rhe on Broadway, has been a committee member of the Troy Hidden Garden Tour for seven years and an event participant for nine years, and she considers the Troy Hidden Garden Tour to be one of the most enjoyable events in Troy, she said.
Potenza enjoys the “party atmosphere” that’s felt during the garden tour and enjoys watching the parade of friends and garden enthusiasts who come to her garden.
“The gardens are a reflection of our unique personalities.” Potenza said. “I especially love that you do not have to be a master gardener to be on this tour.”
Visitors who attend Thursday’s fundraiser can expect to see the magic in the beauty and creativity of the hidden green spaces in the Collar City, as well as visit the many local businesses and eateries that the city has to offer to both visitors and residents, Grimm said.
Some event goers who attended past garden tour events, Grimm added, were inspired to move to Troy to live due to the city’s livability and charm.
“(The Troy Hidden Garden Tour), it is all about what is behind the facade of these beautiful historic homes.” Potenza said. “It will show our visitors that our hidden space is something very special, a space not commonly seen in city living…you will hear a lot of oohs and aahs!!”
Admission to the Troy Hidden Garden Tour is $20 in advance and $25 at check-in. Advance tickets are available to purchase directly from Truly Rhe, located at 1 Broadway, Troy, or online at https://www.hiddengardentour.com/tickets.
