Editorial Staff
For lovers of horticulture, design, and New England charm, early summer here on Cape Ann is bringing a double treat. Over the next two weekends, two of the region’s most popular garden tours—one in Rockport and one in Gloucester—will open the gates to a diverse collection of private outdoor spaces.
The events not only celebrate the creativity of local gardeners, but also support community initiatives through the work of the organizing clubs. They're also just a great way to get outside, explore new areas of familiar Cape Ann spots, and enjoy some really beautiful outdoor spaces,
First up is the annual
Rockport Garden Club’s “Neighborhood Gems” Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28 where visitors will stroll through a curated selection of private gardens tucked among the seaside town’s historic neighborhoods. True to its name, the tour this year focuses on "hidden" horticultural treasures—gardens known to few beyond neighbors and friends—that highlight the care and personality of their stewards. From native plantings to cottage-style blooms, the tour captures the distinct character of Rockport’s built and natural landscape. Tickets are $35 and help fund town beautification and club-sponsored scholarships. For this tour, be sure to read details on the website for ticket pick up times. Also, there will be free curbside street parking available at garden sites and at Rockport High School. Photography is permitted but not pets.
Then, the following weekend, it's the
Generous Gardeners presents its 13th annual Gloucester Garden Tour on Saturday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a self-guided route that winds through the coastal neighborhood of Magnolia. The 2025 tour includes a diverse mix of coastal cottage gardens, rose gardens, manicured estates, and even a historic Olmsted-designed landscape—a rare feature in local tours. The event starts at the Magnolia Library & Community Center at 1 Lexington Avenue. Visitors can explore at their own pace, and shuttle service and street parking make it accessible throughout the day. This event runs rain or shine, is photography-friendly, but as with the Rockport Garden Club tour, pets are not permitted.
Both tours offer a glimpse into the region’s coastal gardening culture, with proceeds going toward public garden maintenance, education programs, and community beautification.
IF YOU GO ...Rockport Garden Club “Neighborhood Gems” Tour• Saturday, June 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Stroll through charming, private gardens in historic Rockport neighborhoods
• $35/ticket, available online through 6/26 or at the John Tarr Store (49 Main St., Rockport)
Generous Gardeners Gloucester Garden Tour
• Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Magnolia neighborhood, Gloucester and featuring a historic Olmsted garden and varied coastal landscapes
• Start: Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave
• Shuttle and street parking available
• $35/ticket, rain or shine and, please, no pets
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