One of the best ways to learn about the gardens is by booking a Guided Tour...
Group Tours are a great way to learn about the Gardens and experience its natural beauty first-hand. Tours are available March through October and can be tailored to suit individual and group needs.
2023 CLARY GARDENS Group Tour Options (Allow 45-60 minutes per tour option) Available March-October 31st
Take to the skies! Your eyes, anyway!: This tour takes the group through different parts of the garden, exploring what birds live there and why. This tour can be catered to different levels of terrain exposure. *bird viewing will vary depending on season and weather
Time Travel Tour: Learn about the history of Clary Gardens and our on-site homes, as well Amphitheater and learn about its construction, and the importance of sandstone in our area, especially to the canal era. (Can be adapted to a handicap accessible tour.) (There is also a Graveyard option for this tour that does involve rough terrain).
Path of Least Resistance: Clary Gardens is full of natural water sources! Explore how we utilize these today with our cistern system, as well as how spring houses were vital to turn of the century living. (This tour can be catered to different levels of terrain exposure.)
Woodlands Rock! Come walk through our woodland trail and explore the on-site, natural caves that have developed over the years, and rock structures that were carved by glaciers. This tour covers rough terrain and will completely emerge you into our woodland area.
Flavor your day! Learn more about “kitchen gardens” and native herbs on this tour. Also learn how herbs can be incorporated into flower gardens to be used as pest control. (Can be adapted to a handicap accessible tour.)
Stop and Smell the Roses: Stroll with us through our rose garden and learn about rose care, different types of roses, and rose companion plants. (Handicap accessible tour.)
Float like a Butterfly and Buzz like a Bee! Come explore our pollinator habitat and learn about the importance of pollinators to our daily life. Every month brings different pollinators to our garden, so this is a unique experience every visit. *Monarchs begin visiting our facility in late July and are gone by early September. We also focus on educational programs during this time, so tours during this time are limited. (Can be adapted to a handicap accessible tour.)
All tours have an add-on activity *option* that is purchased separately
Add-on Activities (Approximately 30 min)
-Birdseed ornament (TH)
-Leaf Collecting (TH)
-Leaf Rubbing (TH)
-Hydrangea Cuttings (TH)**
-Painting in the Gardens (TH)
-Soup Wreaths (TH)
-Yoga in the Gardens
-Seed Collecting (TH)**
-Storytime
-Zinnia Cutting (TH)
-Rock Painting (TH)
-Herb Sachets (TH)
-Flower Pressing (TH)
-Milkweed Seed Collection (TH)**
-Leaf Rubbing (TH)
-Gravestone Rubbing (TH)
*activities marked (TH) involve an end product that guests get to take home!
**notes that the activity is only available seasonally
Tour and Activity Pricing
Contact Jodi Shrimplin at plantingseeds@clarygardens.org for group information. You'll be able to check dates/availability. Please know the approximate number of people in your group and the activities listed above that interest you the most when reaching out. We look forward to seeing you at the Gardens.
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Please note: There are natural and artificial walking surfaces such as grass, limestone paths, stairs, slopes, and uneven terrain which can make walking and use of a wheelchair difficult. Comfortable shoes are recommended to explore all areas of the garden. Maps designating most accessible paths are available in each parking lot. Assistance for persons using wheelchairs or walkers is recommended.
*Email for more details and to schedule your visit. We can't wait to see you at the gardens!