'Hidden Garden Tour' takes you behind the fences

Most visitors to Troy remark about the abundance of Victorian and brownstone architecture but don't get to see the beauty behind the scenes -- or behind the walls, fences and other visual impediments.

That can be remedied by taking part in the 16th annual "Hidden Garden Tour," this year scheduled for  4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21. 

The self-guided tour, featuring the handiwork of 20 backyard gardeners, is a benefit for Prospect Park. Participants will have the opportunity to visit a wide variety of gardens at homes in the Washington Park area, around Russell Sage College, and in several nearby neighborhoods.

“Most people only ever see the facades of our brownstones from the streets,” said Peter Grimm, president of the Friends of Prospect Park. “This is a special kind of event that invites visitors into the hidden, green spaces of our city. It really showcases the humanity and livability of Troy.”

Admission to the tour is $10. Tickets are available in advance online or on the day of the event at the check-in table at the Sage College parking lot at First and Division streets, where free parking will be available. Visitors are asked to refrain from bringing dogs into the gardens.

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