Photos from the Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour

Peek at some of the secret spots shown during the tour's 90th anniversary celebration.

By Madeline Bilis· 5/17/2018, 2:25 p.m.

Photo by Madeline Bilis

Beacon Hill’s magnificent urban gardens exist hidden from plain view. The small pockets of green are enveloped by bricks, and are usually only enjoyed by residents. But for one day every year, their owners tack up yellow flags outside their homes, inviting the public to peek inside the secret spots they’ve worked all spring cultivating.

Since 1929, the Beacon Hill Garden Club has organized its “Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour” on the third Thursday in May, rain or shine. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the neighborhood spring tradition. Though the fundraiser began by charging a few dollars for entry, tickets now start at $50, with proceeds benefitting organizations like the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, the Trustees of Reservations, the Esplanade Association, and others.

The dozen gardens on display were dreamed up by pros and amateurs alike. Four new properties joined lineup this year, making for a refreshing mix of modern designs and more mature plantings. Highlights included a living wall made of moss and orchid buds, as well as lush bunches of hydrangeas, wisteria, boxwood, tulips, azaleas, and even a row of 22-year-old birch trees.

Ahead, pass through the virtual wrought-iron gates to peek at the gems of this year’s tour.