NEW ORLEANS – On Sunday, April 6, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre will host its annual Secret Gardens Tour from 12 noon until 4 p.m. This ritual has attracted visitors and locals alike for decades, allowing them to discover magnificent private gardens and courtyards not generally accessible to the public.
Once again, French Quarter homeowners and residents are collaborating with this long-standing, neighborhood garden club to open a minimum of five gardens and one refreshment courtyard for viewing. The self-guided walking tour showcases the historic neighborhood as a vibrant community and helps generate funds to present the annual Caroling in Jackson Square each December.
The casual stroll offers a glimpse into how designers and residents take advantage of small spaces, adorned with greenery and flora to provide cool hideaways suited to the New Orleans climate in styles of early Spanish and French architecture. Locations of featured gardens and courtyards will be specified on a map given to participants when tickets are picked up. The Secret Gardens tour happens one day only, rain or shine.
Advance tickets are strongly encouraged due to limited capacity and may be purchased online at patioplanters.net for $35 each, which includes processing fees. Pre-purchased tickets may be claimed the day of the event under the alcove of the Cabildo on Jackson Square from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Day-of ticket sales will also be offered there for $40. Pre-purchasing tickets online saves processing fees and is strongly encouraged to ensure availability due to limited capacity. Children under 12 are free.
This outdoor tour includes charming gardens and courtyards only, with no access to homes or indoor spaces. Due to narrow entrances, maneuvering strollers or wheelchairs may be difficult.
For additional information about the tour or Patio Planters membership, contact admin@patioplanters.net.
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