Extending the Season with Flowers, Foliage, and Fruit with Kristi Stromberg Wright, Horticulturist, and Alan Gorkin, Head Gardener - Greenwich, CT. Photo by Kathy Landman.
Welcome to Open Days
Visit America's Best Private Gardens
Since 1995, the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program has opened the garden gates to thousands of private gardens across the country. Open Days offers the extraordinary opportunity to visit private sanctuaries across the country and to learn from the gardeners behind these exceptional spaces.
Founded by Director Emerita Page Dickey and friend and fellow gardener Pepe Maynard, the Open Days program has showcased over 4,500 gardens in forty states and has welcomed and inspired over 1.5 million visitors since its inception.
From backyard jewel box gardens to beautiful estate gardens, to sweeping landscapes, the Open Days program highlights the breadth of traditions and perspectives within American gardening. Bound together by a mutual love of nature, art, design, and horticulture, the Open Days community is marked by the love for sharing ideas and expertise and learning from one another.
Buy Tickets
Tickets will be released online approximately two months in advance of an Open Day, around the first of the month. For 2025, our anticipated release dates are:
| Open Days 2025 | Ticket Release Dates |
|---|---|
| July | Available Now |
| August | Available Now |
| September | Available Now |
| October | Friday, August 1 |
| November | Tuesday, September 2 |
The Garden Conservancy is delighted to showcase America's diverse regional horticultural and stylistic expressions for all to enjoy, and we hope to see you at an Open Day soon!
See 2025 Participating Gardens
Registration & Tickets
All registrations must be processed online through The Garden Conservancy's website. Garden Hosts do not have the ability to collect payments or verify memberships onsite.
Once registered, you will receive an electronic ticket that includes all the information you need to visit your selected gardens, including the garden's address, location, parking instructions, and other information to help plan your visit.
You can still be spontaneous! Registration for gardens will remain live until the end of the Open Day or until all tickets have sold out.
Guidelines for Visiting
Open Days are special invitations to visit private gardens. Please reward the generosity of our Garden Hosts by following these simple guidelines:
- Check-in — On arrival, please be sure to check in with the Garden Host or Greeter, designated by their green and yellow buttons. If your ticket says Please Present Ticket for Admission, please print or have it ready to show on your mobile device.
- Restrooms — As private residences, restrooms are not available at Open Days gardens. Keep this in mind before you arrive and if needed, ask at the admissions table for the nearest public facility.
- Hands Off — Plants and their parts must remain in the garden. Please, no picking, pinching, proplifting, or removing plant pieces of any kind.
- Keep it Clean — Do not litter. If you carry something in, carry it back out. Garden Hosts are not responsible for trash disposal.
- Smoke-Free — Smoking and e-cigarettes are prohibited.
- Follow Signs — Follow any posted signs and directions. Do not enter Garden Host's homes or private buildings.
- Pets Not Allowed — Pets and therapy animals are not permitted in Open Days gardens.
- Children — All ages are very welcome at Open Days, but please supervise children during your visit.
- Parking — Park your car in designated areas. Park so others can enter and exit easily. Be mindful to not block mailboxes or driveways, especially in residential areas.
- Photography and Video — Check if photography or video of the garden is permitted by the Host by asking upon arrival. Tripods are not permitted.
- Respect Privacy — Please respect Garden Hosts' privacy and only visit gardens during posted dates and times. Please do not contact Garden Hosts outside of their Open Day.
- Give Thanks — Many Garden Hosts will be onsite during their Open Day. Garden Hosts can be identified by their “Garden Host” badge. Please say hello and let them know how much you enjoyed your visit. Or, share words of admiration with Open Days staff at opendays@gardenconservancy.org and we will share your message with the hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use e-ticketing?
What is the cancellation/refund policy for Open Days?
What is your inclement weather policy?
Where can I find the address for Open Days gardens?
Are children permitted at Open Days? Do they need tickets?
Are animals allowed at Open Days?
How can I get involved with Open Days?
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