Written by: JR Robinson

As spring unfolds across the Mid-South, it's time for Memphis homeowners to cultivate their green spaces for the upcoming Experience Memphis Gardens (EMG) event. This city-wide celebration, evolving from the beloved Cooper-Young Garden Walk, promises to transform Memphis into a horticultural haven from May through June 2025.

Get Your Garden Tour-Ready

Preparing your garden for public viewing might seem daunting, but with these tips, you'll be ready to showcase your botanical brilliance:

Start Early: Begin your preparations months in advance. This allows time for plants to mature and for you to address any landscaping issues.

Fresh Perspective: About a month before the tour, invite a friend to view your garden with fresh eyes. They might spot areas needing attention that you've overlooked.

Final Touches: Two weeks before the event, focus on final touches. Repot plants, add fillers where needed, and ensure your garden is at its peak.

Polish and Shine: In the last week, clean up your property. Wash down your house exterior and clean windows to make your home the perfect backdrop for your garden.

Join the Garden Walk Movement

EMG founder and executive director Kim Halyak envisions Memphis as a national destination for garden tourism. "There are different ways to garden. What kind do you like?" Halyak encourages. "Look at these gardens and see if you don't find something you love."

By participating, you're not just showcasing your garden; you're cultivating community and green spaces across Memphis. The event features gardens of all styles and sizes, from intimate urban retreats to sprawling country landscapes.

Click to Sign Up Your Garden

How to Get Involved

If you're a Memphis area homeowner with a passion for gardening, consider signing up your home for the Garden Tour. This is your chance to inspire others, share your horticultural knowledge, and be part of a movement that's transforming Memphis into a greener, more beautiful city.

The 2025 City Wide Garden Walk will feature over 260 gardens across 40+ neighborhoods. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore public and private gardens, business gardens, community gardens, cut flower farms, and even aquaponics setups.

By participating, you'll join a community of garden enthusiasts dedicated to celebrating and championing Memphis' green spaces. Your garden could be the inspiration someone needs to start their own botanical journey.

Remember, as Kim Halyak says, "If you can get people excited about their yard and the space beyond their own home, that's the key." So, why not be that spark of excitement for your community?

To sign up or learn more about how you can be part of this blooming movement, visit the Experience Memphis Gardens website at experiencememphisgardens.org. Let's grow together and make Memphis a premier garden tourist destination!