Get Ready for the secret garden walk

Summer is here, and gardens are in full bloom in backyards all over the county, including those in Franklin. Do you know what that means? Spaces usually private and concealed will be open to the public to explore during the Secret Garden Walk, hosted by Franklin Heritage, Inc.
 
On Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, participating property owners will open their backyards so you can peruse their outdoor landscapes. The location of the gardens on the tour will be kept a secret between the event staff and the homeowners until the day of the tour, when people can pick up maps and leisurely stroll from garden to garden.

"We are so excited to bring back the Secret Garden tour this year," says Franklin Heritage event staff Kelly Henthorne. "Franklin Heritage and the Artcraft Theatre are community-centered, and the Secret Garden tour is another way to show off our community, our organization, and our downtown."
 
The Secret Garden Walk is your chance to gather inspiration for your home and recognize other homeowners who have worked hard to turn their outdoor spaces into sanctuaries. In addition to walking through gardens, you can enjoy music and art from the Ethos Fair on N. Main Street in front of the Artcraft Theatre. 

"We have so many lovely homes here in Franklin, but when you drive through our streets, not every home and garden can be truly appreciated," says Kelly. "Sometimes, you have to look over a fence or open a hidden gate. Besides, there's nothing better than getting a peek at private petunias, a glimpse of gorgeous gladiolas, a look at lurking lilacs, or a view of veiled verbena."
 
First introduced in 2021, Franklin Heritage created the Secret Garden Walk out of concerns about the pandemic. Instead of focusing on the interiors of people's homes, planners decided to spotlight the open-air spaces in the homeowners' beautiful yards and landscapes they were curating. Needless to say, it has been a success every other year since! Franklin Heritage rotates every other year between the garden and historic home tours.

Are you interested in going on the tour? Here is what you can expect:
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, June 28, and 1–5 p.m. Sunday, June 29
 
Where: Downtown Franklin. Start at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main Street. Event staff and volunteers will provide maps and information.
 
Cost: $20; $15 for Franklin Heritage members. Tickets are good for both days. The event is rain or shine.
 
Get tickets and more information at historicartcrafttheatre.org/secretgarden2025