Mission & History
Mission
The Garden Tour’s mission is to recognize and celebrate the beauty of Pittsfield by organizing garden tours of selected private gardens and public spaces; the moneys raised to be used for projects to enhance Pittsfield.
Why a Pittsfield Garden Tour?
- To recognize and celebrate the beauty of our city
- To experience the unseen artistry of quiet gardeners
- To raise funds for community projects
- To know our city better
- To make connections with our neighbors
The Garden Tour was begun by two women 15 years ago during a period when Pittsfield was suffering from low morale and tremendous negativism by citizens and visitors alike. One of the reasons the garden tour was born was as a small means to help to change the paradigm and showcase the truly gorgeous neighborhoods that abound in this city. Pittsfield is now in the middle of a renaissance and we are happy to be part of it.
Five years ago, the Pittsfield Garden Tour celebrated its 10th Anniversary and in so doing – offered a spectacular gift to the city - a living 4-layer topiary birthday cake made of 4,500 annual plants. This aesthetic beauty was unveiled at a birthday party in the heart of the city - Park Square – attended by hundreds of city and surrounding community residents who gathered to celebrate a cherished annual event – the Pittsfield Garden Tour. Since its inception, more than 90 gardens have been part of the tour – each welcoming more than 1,000 visitors to take pleasure in their splendor.
In addition to the Garden Tour itself, each year, for the past 10 years, more than 50 birdhouses have been decorated by local artists, donated back to The Pittsfield Garden Tour, and sold at a silent auction.This year the birdhouse auction is suspended so that we may offer other surprises during the tour.