Garden tour to visit eight Waterbury-Duxbury gardens on July 26
July 16, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Gardens on the tour are located in Waterbury Center, downtown Waterbury and Duxbury. Courtesy photo
An annual local event and fundraiser is just around the corner, with a slight air of mystery surrounding it and a promise of discovering some hidden treasures.
The annual Gardens of Waterbury and Across the River Garden Tour, organized by the Waterbury-Duxbury garden club, A River Runs Through It, will take place on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The stops are kept secret until the night before the tour. Although if you have a neighbor working nonstop in their garden over the next week or so, that might be a clue.
Club member and one of the event organizers, Sue Johansen, assured that the locations are eight “stunning private gardens on both sides of the Winooski River.”
The self-guided tour will have stops at three residences in Waterbury village, three in Waterbury Center, and two in Duxbury. “Only one of the eight is a repeat, and a fan favorite from a couple years ago,” garden club President Wendy Steger said. “A couple highlights of that garden include an incredible collection of dwarf larches, and new this summer, a hosta and fern display named by the homeowner and master gardener, the ‘River of Foliage and Fronds.’”
Steger said as the garden tour grows in popularity, the club is having gardeners reaching out to be included on the tour. “Before we had to really search for gardens,” she noted. “We already have a few new gardens in the queue for 2027!”
The tour attracts both avid gardeners and those just looking to spend a few relaxing hours in new places, taking in the summer greenery and blooms. Those who purchase tickets in advance can pick up a tour map and information on Saturday evening, July 25. Tickets will also be available for purchase outside at the Wesley United Methodist Church on the day of the tour.
The annual garden tour by the A River Runs Through It Garden Club highlights interesting private, residential gardens in Waterbury and Duxbury. Courtesy photo
Each ticket holder also is entered into a raffle for a gift basket full of garden-related items and gift cards from local businesses. In addition, raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 by credit card on the ticket website or by cash or check to a club member.
Proceeds from the tour benefit the A River Runs Through It Garden Club’s projects in the community. Members of the nonprofit organization work to beautify the community through gardening projects in parks and public spaces as well as in their own neighborhoods and gardens.
In 2025, proceeds from the summer garden tour supported Harwood Union High School's community service program, the Waterbury Common Market's pollinator garden, and landscape greenery for the new skatepark at Hope Davey Park in Waterbury Center.
Tickets: $25 online in advance or in person on July 26 outside the Wesley United Methodist Church at 56 South Main Street.
The club thanks sponsors of the garden tour: Blackback Pub, Ashley's Salon, Woodard Sugarmakers, Bridgeside Books, K.C. Bagels, Moose Meadow Lodge, Stowe Street Emporium, artist Sarah-Lee Terrat and Evergreen Gardens.