2026 Garden Touring Season Information​

Below, you’ll find key details about the 2026 garden touring seasons, including tour schedules, seasonal highlights, and important reminders. Additional information on seasonal displays and plant identification will be available soon.

2026 Garden Tour Seasons

Garden tours will be offered Tuesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. during the spring and fall seasons.

  • Spring Season: March 31-June 14, 2026
  • Fall Season: September 1-November 15, 2026

This year, we are continuing to pilot a third garden tour, Fridays through Sunday:

  • April, September, October & November: 2:30 p.m. garden tour, Friday-Sunday
  • May & June: 1:30 p.m. garden tour, Friday-Sunday

Seasonal Display Design Overview & Plant Identification

Important Reminders

Use the links below to access the complete guidelines for each procedure and policy.

  • Severe Weather Policy – Garden tours continue rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather. Learn how we monitor conditions and handle cancellations or adjustments.
  • Responding to an Incident – Procedures for handling unexpected situations, such as accidents, medical emergencies, and suspicious behavior.
  • Plant Removal Policy – Only Horticulture team members may remove plants from the garden. Visitors, volunteers, and other staff are not permitted to take any plant material.

Continuing Educational Resources

  • Comprehensive Garden Notes – This document, created by Hillwood staff, provides in-depth information about the gardens. It is organized by garden room and follows the interpretive framework used by docents when leading tours.
  • Plant Resource Guide: Plants Highlighted on Docent-led Tours – This guide serves as a valuable reference for identifying and learning about key plants along the tour route. Written and updated by Hillwood staff, it highlights significant species that shape the beauty and history of Hillwood’s gardens.
  • 2024 Garden Docent Training Materials – The 2024 Garden Docent Training Program introduced new educational content, including staff lectures and curated readings designed to deepen knowledge and enhance tours. These resources remain available as continuing education for all volunteers and staff.