Showcases Natural Wonders in Urban SettingHoboken, N.J. – Some gardeners manage to pull off minor miracles by creating natural oases in this hardcore urban environment. Gardeners and non-gardeners alike are invited to indulge their curiosity and gather urban gardening tips on the Hoboken Historical Museum’s 12th Annual Secret Garden Tour, Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date: June 7). More than a dozen residential gardens will open their gates to tour goers to support the Museum’s fundraising efforts. The tour is sponsored by Hufnagel Landscaping, with support from Beethoven’s Veranda and the 14th Street Garden Center in Jersey City, with assistance from the Hoboken Garden Club.
It’s the public’s chance to peek behind Hoboken’s row houses, condominiums and converted factory buildings into spaces that reveal gardeners’ creativity and determination to stay in touch with nature in an urban area. Guided tours depart from the Museum on the half-hour, and last about two hours. Four bonus stops are offered this year. Comfortable shoes are advised.
The Secret Garden Tour includes a wide range of garden designs by both dedicated gardening enthusiasts and professional designers, with clever solutions to such challenging issues as entertaining children and adults, coping with shade, and sheltering koi and frogs. One of this year’s gardens was featured in New Jersey Monthly. It is making a re-appearance on the tour by popular demand. It features Gothic-style ruins seemingly transported intact from the Irish countryside. A striking stained-glass window mimics those of the neighboring church, which inspired this design element.
Other gardens include members of the Hoboken Garden Club and yards designed by top-flight landscape architects. Two gardens incorporate artistic decorations. Optional satellite stops this year give tourgoers a chance to travel to the top of the Palisades cliff above Hoboken via the light-rail elevator and a sneak peek at the rooftop landscape atop the exclusive Garden Street Lofts at 14th and Garden Sts.
Tickets are $20 for Hoboken Historical Museum members and Hoboken Garden Club members, and for tickets purchased in advance; non-members pay $25 on the day of tour. Children under age 13 admitted free. For advance tickets stop by 1301 Hudson St., or call the Museum at 201-656-2240, option 6. Tickets are also available at several retail locations around town – see posters or visit our website for those locations: www.hobokensecretgardens.com. ◦
