News Summary
The Lexington Council Garden Clubs has announced its Tour of Gardens for June, inviting the public to explore vibrant private gardens. This year’s event features unique spaces, including a tranquil woodland garden and a luxurious rooftop retreat. Proceeds support community initiatives.
Lexington – The Lexington Council Garden Clubs has officially announced the 2025 Tour of Gardens, set to take place on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This biennial event, ongoing for over 20 years, allows the public to explore the beauty and creativity of stunning private gardens throughout the city.
This year’s tour, previously known as the Open Gates to Bluegrass Living Garden Tour, will highlight a diverse array of local gardens, each showcasing unique features and landscaping styles. Among the standout locations is a rooftop garden, a luxurious poolside retreat, and a self-designed woodland oasis maintained by local residents Thom Smith and Rodney Day.
Located in The Colony neighborhood off Versailles Road, the woodland garden is a testament to nature’s tranquility, featuring mature trees, ferns, hostas, and rhododendrons. Designed by Thom Smith, a former interior designer who dedicates around 18 hours each week to its upkeep, this garden presents a harmonious blend of woodlands and meadows, offering visitors a serene environment. The landscaping is carefully coordinated with the clean lines of architect Richard Isenhour’s 1963 International Style modern home, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
The garden is characterized by meandering pathways, serene water features, and modern sculptures, creating a visual experience that evolves with each season. Summer plantings include potted oak leaf hydrangeas and a variety of perennials, while the introduction of Japanese maples adds to the tranquil atmosphere. For those seeking solitude and reflection, the garden’s layout is designed to encourage exploration and contemplation, inspired by the principles of designed naturalism advocated by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Tickets for the 2025 Lexington Council Garden Clubs Tour of Gardens will be available at various local garden centers and participating gardens during the event. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the LCGC’s educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and city beautification efforts, making the tour not only a celebration of local gardening achievements but also a contribution to the community.
The Lexington Council Garden Clubs aims to highlight the beauty and diversity found in local gardening efforts, fostering a sense of community engagement and appreciation for the natural world. By opening up these private gardens to the public, they hope to inspire others to cultivate their own green spaces and contribute to a more vibrant, beautiful city.
For garden enthusiasts and those simply looking for a delightful outdoor experience, this tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the art of gardening within the Lexington community. Mark your calendars for June 21 and 22, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of local gardening.
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Additional Resources
- A Woodland Sanctuary – Smiley Pete
- Davidson County Activities – The Dispatch
- 2025 Home & Garden Events – Smiley Pete
- Annual Garden Tour – The Dispatch
- Insider’s Guide to Lexington – Garden & Gun
- Wikipedia: Garden
- Google Search: gardening in lexington
- Google Scholar: landscape design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Garden
- Google News: local gardening
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
