Festival of Gardens
Columbia Green established the annual Festival of Gardens in 1991 to showcase beautiful private gardens while, at the same time, helping to further fund beautification of public areas around Columbia. The Festival has evolved over the years, growing from a half-day tour accompanied by a lecture to a two-day festival that generally exhibits a dozen inspiring gardens clustered near to each other. In past years, neighborhoods ranging from Shandon and Heathwood to Spring Valley and Wildewood have all been on the tour.
The tour is Columbia Green's largest fundraiser. It utilizes nearly 100 volunteers and Master Gardeners who help guide visitors through the gardens and aid them in plant identification. It generally draws several hundred garden enthusiasts who can enjoy the flora and fauna from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 on each of the tour days. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and notebooks to help them record their favorite displays.
The dates for the 2009 Festival will be May 14-16, 2009. More information on the next Festival of Gardens will be coming after the first of the year.
View the 2008 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2007 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2006 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2005 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2004 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2003 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2002 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery
View the 2001 Festival of Gardens Photo Gallery