Planning your NOGS Tour is like planning to eat an entire buffet. It all looks so good but you can only really fit so much. Plan time for sitting in the squares, finding restrooms facilities, grabbing a cold drink at an outdoor cafe or simply popping into your accommodations for a siesta to break up the day. Much of that will be up to you and your stamina! You’ll see from this preview that the tour will take you all the way from Gaston Street, by Forsyth Park, to just south of Broughton Street, full of shops including, Capital Bee Company a delightful gift shop. All the while you’ll be checking your actual map for those icon ironwork pieces in between.
All of you will begin by picking up your wristbands and maps at our ticket table which will be located on the west side of Madison Square on the Green-The Green-Meldrim House property. This is where the Garden Party & Tea are held, and also very close to the Old Town Trolley Tours pickup area that we will direct you to. In that same location you will find Royal Restrooms available for all guests.
There are 9 private gardens and 4 historic garden locations (Andrew Low House, Massie Heritage Center, The Beach Institute and The Green-Meldrim House used for the tea). Since they are spread out you may want to break up your tour and see some of the gardens Friday and the rest on Saturday. The Iconic Ironwork Scavenger Hunt designed in-house by our own Lee Green and her daughter, Libby of AdLib Photography, will enhance the experience. You’ll begin to notice all of the work by John Boyd Smith Metal Studios. You will also notice that there are numerous historic homes along the way and plenty of eateries, retail shops, art galleries, and places to get coffee or a refreshing adult beverage later in the day when you simply can’t take another step! In this case, take a Savannah Pedicab to your final destination, like a rooftop bar or a seat at an open air seafood restaurant on the riverfront at Plant Riverside District. While on River Street, don’t miss a sample from our sweetest NOGS supporter, River Street Sweets. They ship too!
Forsyth Park is always worth a stop so be sure to include it in your plans by at least heading up to the fountain for a group photo. There is a Forsyth Farmers Market every Saturday morning, and they have fresh pastries. Part of the tour features The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center where you can meet a blacksmith of Gullah heritage, Gilbert Walker, with knowledge and skills you won’t want to miss. While on the east side of town you’ll be able to walk through Colonial Cemetery, and other open sights.
Planning ahead, you may want to reach out to Marcia at Savannah Super Tours for a tailored look at our fair city. Marcia offers Dynamic Dames of Savannah and Civil War for Beginners to name a few.
If you’ve gathered that this is going to be a fun-filled weekend where you never run out of things to do, then you’re already planning your return trip! Savannah has something for everyone. We thank you for choosing to participate in the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens and look forward to meeting you April 19 and 20.
Food & Beverage
Gifts & Experiences
Where We Shop by @VisitSavannah
The Andrew Low House
329 Abercorn Street
One of our cherished city partners, they too host a number of exciting events. Please follow them on Facebook.
Capital Bee Company
421 E. Broughton St.
Specialty gifts, local honey, a delight to the senses
E. Shaver Booksellers
Located directly across Madison Square from the Green-Meldrim House, this special bookshop is not-to-be-missed. Guaranteed to be one of the many highlights of your stay in Savannah.
The Massie Heritage Center
207 E. Gordon St.
Opened in1856 Savannah’s first public school
Free Admission to all NOGS guests.
We work with #visitsavannah at the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and as members of the chamber we encourage you to find your stay by using this comprehensive Visit Savannah Guide. When you get to the calendar of events you will see the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens featured in April. We have added the Plan Your Visit page to assist visitors coming from outside of the Savannah area. The word has spread and the desire to visit Savannah, the hostess city is growing. Many want to combine a fascination for history with a love of gardens. The Garden Club of Savannah, established in 1927 has a 40+ year tradition of providing an annual self-guided walking tours and serving Tea with traditional southern hospitality. Our members look forward to preparing and serving each one of you. Net proceeds fund local grants for education and garden beautification.
Currently, the Tea is hosted in the Green-Meldrim House most notable for the period it became Sherman’s Headquarters. It’s a magnificent home that exudes history, and invites guests to share in the beauty inside. Our members design flower arrangements for each room making the Tea a truly elegant, memorable experience. Light finger sandwiches are served on silver platters too! This is sure to become one of your most cherished memories for years to come. The Tea takes place in the afternoon. Years ago we served hot tea, but honestly, iced tea is a welcome sight on a warm Savannah day.
Over the years, the Garden Club of Savannah members have started wearing hats along with their deep green garden club aprons. Hats seems to add to the festive nature of the tour. In fact, groups visiting from out of town often wear them because they look great in pictures! The adventure of going behind the garden gates produces a feeling of wonder and sparks conversations. You may meet people from as far east as Japan or as far West as California. Each garden is unique and our volunteers will be able to share what they know about the history and the plants, though not all members are master gardeners so you may want to take pictures to look up plants at your leisure.
If you have any questions, check the FAQ. If you still have questions please write to nogsgardentour@gmail.com.
