If you enjoy surprises and find exploring fun, make plans to attend the 2025 Secret Garden Tour, presented by the Museums of Oglebay Institute Committee on Saturday, June 14.
You’ll explore five beautiful gardens and discover lovely ideas to make your own! The self-guided tour begins at the Mansion Museum in Oglebay where guests receive a driving map that reveals the locations of the gardens. Guests also will have the chance to browse and shop at the outdoor Garden Market, located on the Mansion lawn.
This year’s gardens are unique, with a variety of styles and Wheeling neighborhoods featured, from family backyard to storefront courtyard.
“We know that guests will enjoy the diversity of landscapes that offer a pleasant place to tour and visit this spring. Our featured gardens showcase creativity and lots of ideas, and we are grateful to the homeowners for allowing us to visit and share their work with the public,” said Hydie Friend, one of the co-chairs of this year’s event. Other co-chairs include committee members David Miller and Jane Mahlke.
Many homeowners enjoy gardening and find it relaxing or inspiring. Blending nature with a home offers a way to entertain or meditate on your own. Trending styles like vertical gardening gives even the smallest yard a way to create green space.
Gardens include surprises and ideas for outdoor living, including decks, fireplaces, pathways, vegetable gardens, flowers, trees, vines and ornamental decor.
“Visitors are sure to find an idea for everyone, whether your garden is small or large,” Friend said.
Friend added that this year’s garden tour would not be possible without the work and input of former museum committee member Mary Haning. Haning was the 2023 chair of Secret Garden Tour and loved to garden. She served on the museum committee for many years and unfortunately passed away from cancer this past December.
Tours take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last tour ticket is sold at 2 p.m.) and Garden Market shopping is available from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The shopping choice includes jewelry, crafts, live plants and refreshments and there is no fee charged just to shop at the market.
Oglebay Institute’s Museum Committee plans and presents a Secret Garden Tour every other year, alternating it with the Secret Kitchen Tour.
Tour tickets cost $22 in advance or $25 at the door. Register for the Secret Garden Tour by calling the Mansion Museum at 304-242-7272 or going online at oionline.com/secretgardens. Tour tickets also include admission to the nearby Glass Museum to complete the experience!
The Committee of the Museums of Oglebay Institute is a working advisory and fundraising group that plans and assists with many of the public programs and supports the Museums year-round in a variety of volunteer roles.
