The Beacon Hill Garden Club has donated more than $1 million in its eighty-five history. The Beacon Hill Garden Club’s contributions to over 200 local, state and national horticultural and conservation organizations have improved the urban landscape of Boston and beyond. This non-profit organization comprised of fewer than 100 members has raised money through its Annual Tour of the Hidden Gardens and through the publication of four Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill books. On Thursday May 16th, the Beacon Hill Garden Club will host its 84th annual tour of the Hidden Gardens with a first ever President’s Luncheon at the Hampshire House and release its new book, The Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill: Creating Green Spaces in Urban Places. This year’s tour combined with the President’s Luncheon and the sale of the new book are expected to reinvigorate the tour and raise significant money for charitable grants.

This year’s tour on Thursday, May 16th will open the gates to twelve hidden gardens and four “ribbon” gardens that are viewed from the street. It is a self-guided tour and takes place rain or shine from 9:00am-5:00pm. Tour tickets ($35) and VIP Tickets ($75 includes tour ticket, President’s Luncheon and gift) are available for purchase online at www.beaconhillgardenclub.org. Tour tickets can also be purchased at select Charles Street stores and on the day of the tour for $40 at the Hostess Booths on Charles Street. Advance reservations are required for the President’s luncheon where tour guests will enjoy a sumptuous spring buffet while overlooking Boston’s beautiful Public Garden. All tour guests are invited to enjoy complimentary tea and refreshments at the Church of the Advent and shop the Tour Boutique. The Beacon Hill Garden Club will be using Square technology so that customers can conveniently pay for tickets, gifts and books with their credit card on Tour Day.

Since the Beacon Hill Garden Club released its last book eleven years ago, urban gardening has taken root in today’s urban culture playing a much larger role as city dwellers look to bring “green” into their daily lives and beautify their outdoor spaces, however small and limiting. It is with this sensibility that the Beacon Hill Garden Club Book Committee created its fifth edition, The Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill: Creating Green Spaces in Urban Places (88-page, full-color, hard bound book, 111 color photographs, $35). This edition unlocks the secrets and shared wisdom of club members through the photography of Peter Vanderwarker and Thomas Lingner/The Able Lens. It is a primer for all urban gardeners who want to learn more about how character, walls, paving, levels, gates and doors, ornaments, furniture, light, color and plants can elevate any outdoor space into an urban oasis. The book will be released in May and available for purchase on Tour Day and through the organization’s website.