Public Events



Rochester Garden Walk

The 23rd annual Rochester Garden Walk will be a part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Stony Creek Historical district. Our club is partnering once again with the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm to present a fabulous day for gardeners and plant lovers. Part of the walk will feature tours through the gardens of the historic homes in the district. In addition, there will be lovely private and public gardens shown in the greater Rochester area. The Rochester Garden Walk will be held on June 15, 2023. 

Other events include a Native Plant Sale (see below for details), a presentation entitled “A Plant’s Journey” at 11 am at the Calf Barn which will detail how all the gorgeous new bedding plants make it from around the world into your garden, and a Cookie Room where you can refresh yourself with delicious homemade cookies and lemonade. Not to be missed is our famous “ Fleatique” sale of gently used garden art, implements and accessories.

You can pre-purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/629953466777. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Auburn Oaks Garden Center, Bordine’s Nursery (Rochester only), Foglers Greenhouse and Piechnik’s Garden Gate starting May 22.


Rochester Garden Walk 2023

Presented by Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm and Rochester Garden Club

Frequently Asked Questions:


Why must I exchange my Garden Walk Ticket for a Garden Guide if I purchase my ticket
before June 12?

• Garden locations are not shared earlier to protect the privacy of our gardeners and to
avoid complications arising from last minute changes.


Are restrooms available?
• There are public restrooms at The Museum. Please do not ask to use restrooms at our
private gardens.


Are rain checks available?
• The Garden Walk is a rain or shine event. No rain checks are issued. Please dress
according to weather conditions.


Do children need their own tickets?
• Children 14 and under do not need tickets. Please be aware that some garden terrain may
be uneven and require care when walking. Children should remain under parental control.


Are dogs allowed?
• Dogs are not allowed at any private garden.


Will beverages and refreshments be available?
• Walkers will need to provide their own beverages and refreshments. There are many
excellent restaurants in the area.


Will there be vendors at The Museum this year?
• The Rochester Garden Club will share a Fleatique type area with gently used garden and
home items for sale at excellent prices, from 10 am – 4 pm. East Michigan Native Plants
will also be selling various native plants as well as handling pick up of preorders.

Is it possible to preorder native plants for pick up on the day of the Walk?
• Preorders are possible. The selection of plants can be viewed at
EastMichiganNativePlants.com. Use this link to access the order form:
https://rochestergardenclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Rochester-Garden-
Club-Spring-Native-plant-sale-order-form.pdf


• Checks to Rochester Garden Club or Credit Cards will be accepted.


Will plants also be available to purchase the day of the Walk?
• Native plants will be available at The Museum from 10 am to 4 pm. Cash, checks to
Rochester Garden Club or credit cards will be accepted.


Can I leave my plants at The Museum while on the Walk?
• Plant purchases can be labeled with purchaser’s name and cell phone number and will be
held in a safe location for pick up no later than 4:30 pm on the day of the Walk.

Will there be an educational program in the Calf Barn?


• Yes, John Gaydos from Proven Winners will present an informative program on A
Plant’s Journey at 11 am.


Who do I contact about the possibility of sharing my garden on a future Rochester Garden
Walk?

• Sign-up sheets will be available at the table at each garden or contact us via our website,
RochesterGardenClub.org.


Who do I contact about a lovely garden I know of in the greater Rochester area?
• Sign-up sheets will be available at the table at each garden or contact us via our website,
RochesterGardenClub.org. Please include address as well as name and phone number, if
possible.


Who benefits from the purchase of GW tickets?
• The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm and Rochester Garden Club partner in
providing the Walk. Each uses funds raised to provide opportunities for the Rochester
Community. Both appreciate your support by purchasing tickets and are especially
grateful to our homeowners for allowing so many to experience all of the wonderful
gardens in this very special community!


Native Plant Sale

If you want to add native plants to your garden, our Native Plant Sale on the grounds of Van Hoosen Farm will fit the bill. Our next sale will take place in conjunction with the Rochester Garden Walk on June 15, 2023. Here is the link for the 2023 Native Plant Pre-Order form. Just print it out and mail it with payment (check or credit card number) to the address provided. This link will give you more details on the plants: Native Plant Perennials for Michigan, midwest, northeast U.S. | East Michigan Native Plants (eastmichnatives.com) You can pick up your plants at Van Hoosen Farm during Garden Walk hours. You don’t need garden walk tickets to purchase the native plants.

Native plants are fascinating, beautiful and serve an essential role in your backyard ecosystem.  As native plant guru, Doug Tallamy says, “Garden as if life depends on it!”

Van Hoosen Farm Summer Programs

Learn how to create gorgeous containers to beautify your home. We are offering a FREE program at the Calf Barn of the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm taught by the pros of the Rochester Garden Club. It starts at 10 am on Thursday, June 8. Just drop in and learn new techniques and ideas to keep those containers fresh and lovely. Check out our Children’s Garden and meet the friendly club members while you are there.

We are planning a special treat for everyone who loves floral arrangements. On July 27, we will hold a workshop hosted by our floral designers at the Calf Barn of Van Hoosen Farm. This is a hands-on demonstration where you will learn the design basics and tips to arrange like a pro. Everyone will leave with their own beautiful bouquet. Space is limited and there will be an entrance fee charged. Check back soon for details.

Gifts and Greens Market

Our 2022 Gifts and Greens Market was a smashing success. We had a record number of customers, and it was a joyful time for all. All our proceeds will be returned to the community through our scholarship programs, support for environmental causes, civic beautification, and special gifts to Rochester schools, and other organizations. Check out our “Giving Back” page for details.