Who we are
The City Gardens Club is a unique educational organization dedicated to the natural environment of New York City. Our programs are designed to foster an appreciation of nature, especially among young people, and to encourage the creation, preservation, and restoration of green spaces throughout the city. Founded in 1918, The City Gardens Club is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization run by member volunteers.
Our Garden & House Tour
The Club’s primary fundraiser is The Garden & House Tour, an annual spring visit to selected New York City gardens and homes. It is a private event not posted on social media, and is open only to Club members and their guests. Tickets are sold by invitation only, and tickets are not sold at the door.
The City Gardens Club has been privileged to visit some of the city’s most beautiful and impressive gardens and homes. Over the years we have gained a reputation for exemplary organization of every aspect of our fundraiser. We are attuned to the unique requirements of every home and garden, and each home receives our careful attention. We are fortunate to have an experienced roster of Club members, and their friends, who serve as hosts. All hosts are instructed to assure smooth circulation and utmost security. In addition, the Club carries adequate liability insurance coverage for the day.
Our Garden & House Tour is always an outstanding success. We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals who share their gardens and homes. We strive to make the event enjoyable for the owners as well as their guests.
What our Garden & House Tour supports
Since the 1930’s the Club’s programs are primarily supported by an annual fundraiser — a visit to selected gardens and homes. Among the projects funded are:
- The CGC Scholarship Program
Enabling science teachers in the New York City public schools to participate in advanced nature study seminars at botanical gardens, nature preserves, and other cultural and educational organizations. - The CGC Grants Program
Providing grants to local botanical institutions, selected community gardens, and environmental outreach programs in underserved neigborhoods. - The CGC Nature Kits Program
Each year a variety of leaves, seeds, pine cones, shells, and other natural specimens are collected and packaged into compact “Nature Kits” with an explanatory teaching manual. The kits are distributed to teachers in the New York City public schools. This program, which gives city children a unique opportunity to touch and examine natural phenomena in the classroom, has been awarded a special citation by the National Audubon Society.
Garden & House Tour 2025
The next Garden & House Tour will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Sponsor and Benefactor ticket buyers will enjoy the morning tour of the Lenox Hill neighborhood that features a spectacular Park Avenue penthouse, a Fifth Avenue terraced home with Central Park views, a lovely townhouse set in bucolic Jones Wood Garden, and the private walled garden at the iconic Manhattan House.
The Marguerite Platt Memorial Luncheon will be held at Candela, located in a Rosario Candela designed co-op building at 3 East 77 Street. A buffet luncheon will be offered from noon to 1:30 pm in this unique setting.
Afternoon Tour attendees will delight in visits to the residential neighborhood of the Upper East Side. From 77 Street to 94 Street we will explore several elegant townhouses and their private gardens, a rooftop terrace with exceptional Central Park views, and the expansive lush park of the mid-century modern Manhattan House.