THE SECRETS WILL BE REVEALED! On Sunday, May 31, 2009 (rain date: June 7th), homeowners will reveal their “secret gardens” as part of the Annual Secret Garden Tour, a fundraiser for the Hoboken Historical Museum. We would like to thank the Hoboken Garden Club for their partnership. And many thanks to Hufnagel Landscaping for their sponsorship of this event, as well as to 14th Street Garden Center and Beethoven's Veranda for their additional support. See photos from past years, as well as some 2009 sneak peeks of what's in store for this year's tour.   NEW: Special Parking Available to Garden Tour Attendees (see Directions)
HOBOKEN'S HORTICULTURAL HISTORY Gardening in Hoboken has a rich tradition. Colonel John Stevens (1749 – 1838), who founded Hoboken, was a garden enthusiast, importing and cultivating new plants from around the world. His gardens were regarded as among the most elaborate and scientifically cultivated of the day. The lists kept of seeds, plants and books ordered document his relationship with horticultural pioneers, including John Bartram, America’s first great botanist, and Bernard McMahon, who helped document the Lewis & Clark expedition. And, if you enjoy the beauty of the Chrysanthemum or Camellia, then you have Colonel Stevens to thank for that, as he introduced them both to America from China.	TOUR TIMES & TICKET INFORMATION Guided tours leave every 1/2 hour from the Museum and begin at 9:00 am; last tour departs at 4:00 pm. Tours last approx. 2 hours. Tickets $20 in advance and for Museum and Hoboken Garden Club members; $25 day of event. Tickets available at the Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St. Advance purchase recommended, as space is limited. Tours filled on first come, first served basis. For advance tickets by credit card, call 201.656.2240 ext. 6 and leave your number and someone will call you back to take the details over the phone. Or you can visit one of several other advance ticket locations in Hoboken, including Sparrow Wine & Liquor at 1124 Shipyard Lane, Baskets of Distinction at 1102 Washington St., Beethoven's Veranda at 108 10th St., Amanda's Restaurant at 908 Washington St., Patricia's Yarns at 107 4th St., and Yes, I Do! at 312 Washington St.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE THIS YEAR This year's “Secret Gardens” will continue to inspire you. You'll see how an over-sized fireplace style backdrop to a garden space truly helps turn this area into a true 'green living room.' You'll see unique outdoor lighting designs, such as tiny, pinhole lights that come up from beneath the beautiful blue/gray slate patio space. In additional to all the new gardens that you'll see, we're bringing back one of our finest gardens that has been featured in the New York Times,  Better Homes & Garden magazine, New Jersey Monthly and most recently in the spring edition of Palisades magazine. Plus, we have added bonus satellite stops for those who want to see even more fabulous gardens.	PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MUSEUM Hoboken Historical Museum & Cultural Center was founded 1986 to educate the public about Hoboken’s history, diverse culture, architecture and historic landmarks. The Museum offers special exhibits, tours, events, lectures, as well as numerous educational programs for both adults and children. The Museum is a not-for-profit tax-exempt 501(c) entity.