With spring in the air and gardens blooming into full glory, a beloved, annual tradition dating back two decades will be ongoing all weekend in Frederick, Maryland. It’s the Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour.
The popular community event is taking place at two locations renowned for their impeccable gardens and cultural and historical significance. The first destination will be in Downtown Frederick, where folks can delight in both public and privately owned and operated sites that are not only home to a wonderful array of themed garden marvels but also (in some cases) representations of architectural masterpieces in craftsmanship. The second site is none other than beloved Baker Park, a pleasing naturalistic hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Many Downtown retailers and restaurants will also offer special sales and discounts as part of the touring package. The Hospitality Center will be serving up light refreshments as well.
Tickets are required for participation in the tour. This also garners you access to otherwise publicly inaccessible locations. But take note that the tour itself is completely self-guided, allowing you to pick and choose stopping and starting points accordingly.
Featured garden and home sites on the list include the following:
The Garden of Carol Daiger and Peter Kremers at 6024 White Flint Drive, the Garden of Michael and Nancy Davis at 6602 Ashford Lane, the Garden of Carol and James Croall at 6610 Ashford Lane, the Garden of JJ and Candy Greenway at 608 Lindbergh Court, the Garden of Mr. and Mrs. David and Deborah Langston at 6619 Ashford Lane, the Garden of Ric and Ann Adams at 6036 White Flint Drive, the Garden of Renae and Jerry Winnan at 6315 Winpenny Drive, the Garden of Susan and Tom Kloc at 6603 Hunter Trail Way, the Garden of Michael Smith and Brian Ward at 405 W. 2nd Street, the Delaplaine Arts Center at 40 S. Carroll Street, Carroll Creek Linear Park at Suspension Bridge at Carroll Creek Linear Park, and Federated Charities at 22 S. Market Street. Click here for descriptions of each featured garden.
The Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour is made possible through a joint partnership between the Men’s Garden Club of Frederick and Celebrate Frederick. Founded in 1992, the Men’s Garden Club of Frederick was established to promote the joy of gardening while maintaining a focus on protecting native plants and birds. The group consists of more than 30 full-time members and 10 associate members. In addition to the Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour, the group is also involved in several civic activities and proudly supports Color on the Creek. They are also actively involved in maintaining the beauty of the rose garden at the Delaplaine Arts Center, contributing labor to the Arts Festival, and supporting various community projects, such as Flowers Over Frederick, Friends of Baker Park, and Sophie and Madigan’s Playground.
For more than two decades, the Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour has been drawing in scores of garden enthusiasts from far and wide to the Frederick scene. It is estimated that more than 800 visitors attend each year! Since its start, the event has raised thousands of dollars, which have gone to local garden clubs and other beautification projects throughout the community.
If you’ve never taken the tour before, then this year’s event is the perfect opportunity to do so! Tour times are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., both days, May 16 and 17, and are held rain or shine. Visit the website to discover more.