About 30th Annual South End Garden Tour

The South End Garden Tour is a self-guided tour through the neighborhood, stopping at historical places, private and public gardens, and other significant spots. The South End hosts 10 of the 56 Trustees community gardens, which can be explored along the tour along with a plethora of private gardens homeowners have generously given access to for just one day!

Historically and today, these gardens have acted as community gathering spaces and growing spaces where residents have provided for their families, hosting unique cultural crops and cultivation techniques brought to the area from immigrant families. The diverse cultural history that has defined Boston’s South End has brought along with it a distinctive and stunning architectural style which can be enjoyed with the full blooming June weather, delicious food, local arts and music, fun activities, and of course, an informative tour.

The Tour is self-guided with staff, volunteers, signage, and activities placed along the way for your enjoyment.

You will receive a booklet when you check in on the day of the event with a map and information for each stop on the tour. A schedule of the day’s activities will be available in your tour booklet with specific activities posted on our social media in the days leading up to the event.

Tickets are $35 for Nonmembers and $28 for Trustees Members. All ticket sales are final. The Tour will run rain or shine, and may only be canceled due to severe inclement weather.

The Tour will start at South End Public Library Park where you can check in and be guided by volunteers along the route. You may check in anytime throughout the day but please be mindful that the gardens will close promptly at 4:00PM. Be sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the event!

Three time sessions will take place: 10AM-12Noon, 12-2PM, 2PM-4PM, each with unique music and activities happening along the tour. No extra registration is needed for events or activities within the tour.

Please note, this is a walking tour through a historic neighborhood on paved and brick surfaces. Many gardens are at street level, while others require stairs to access. We strive to make the event as accessible as possible and welcome you to reach out with any questions about accessibility.

This is the Boston Community Gardens Team’s largest fundraising event of the year and benefits the growth and maintenance of 56 community gardens across the City of Boston. By supporting us you are supporting families and community members City wide in developing green space and growing healthy food accessible to all. Thank you!

Volunteer positions are now live on our web portal – click here!
Many roles are available such as Garden Assistants, Photographers, and Setup/Cleanup crew. Volunteers recieve free admission to the event.

Please email mfrancke@thetrustees.org with any questions.

Register