The Garden Conservancy

The Garden Conservancy was established in 1989 by the distinguished American gardener, Frank Cabot. Since its founding, the organization has done more than any other national institution to save and share outstanding American gardens for the education and inspiration of the public. In partnership with garden owners, gardeners, communities, horticulturists, garden designers, and historians, we work to preserve outstanding gardens across America. We help new and emerging public gardens become community-based public resources by drawing upon the expertise from our own dedicated staff as well as that of our network of experts in all aspects of garden design, management, and restoration. We also contribute to the welfare of existing public gardens, helping them manage both natural and man-made challenges to their survival. Many of the gardens we work with are National Historic Landmarks and/or on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1995, more than 3,000 private gardens have participated in our signature Open Days program, welcoming more than one million visitors in states across the country. The best way to learn about gardening, garden design, and the transformative power of gardens is to experience gardens in person. Our garden-study tours and wide-ranging public education programs further the sharing of ideas as well as distinctive gardens.