Project GREEN Open Garden Weekend 2026

Garden enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are invited to experience Open Gardens Weekend 2026, a free self-guided tour showcasing nearly 20 residential and prairie gardens in Iowa City, Coralville and surrounding unincorporated areas.

The annual event, hosted by Project GREEN, will take place Saturday, June 27, from 4–8 p.m., and Sunday, June 28, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Visitors may tour participating gardens whenever a sign reading “The Garden is Open” is displayed.

Now in its seventh year, Open Gardens Weekend has become one of the area’s anticipated summer traditions, inspiring more residents to garden and share their landscapes with the public.

“Area gardeners have such interesting gardens because they put a lot of thought into creating their spaces,” said Diane Allen, Project GREEN co-president and Master Gardener emeritus. “We love the generous gardeners who are willing to share their gardens more than once and refer to them as ‘Encore Gardens’ on garden maps.”

The featured gardens highlight plants at their seasonal peak and reflect a range of styles, from carefully cultivated residential landscapes to expansive prairie plantings. Organizers say the event celebrates gardening as both an art form and a way to strengthen neighborhoods, improve environmental stewardship and foster community connections.

Cindy Parsons, Project GREEN co-president and Master Gardener, said, “Every garden tells a story. Visitors will discover creative ideas, plants that thrive locally and the passion gardeners put into shaping their landscapes.”

Maps identifying participating gardens will be available beginning the week before the event at local sponsor businesses and during event hours at Project GREEN Gardens at Ashton House, 820 Park Road, Iowa City. A complete list of map pickup locations and sponsoring businesses will be available on the Project GREEN website and social media.

The event remains free thanks to support from local business sponsors, whose participation helps expand access to gardening education and community engagement.

Interest in Open Gardens Weekend continues to grow. Last year, visitors picked up nearly 1,500 garden maps, reflecting increasing enthusiasm for home gardening and nature-based activities. National surveys indicate gardening remains one of America’s most popular hobbies, with growing interest among younger generations, including millennials, attracted to edible gardening.

Organizers note that visiting gardens offers more than inspiration. Research suggests spending time in nature may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and support overall well-being. The tour also encourages visitors to explore area neighborhoods, public spaces and local businesses.

“Gardening certainly qualifies as beauty and art,” organizers said. “Open Gardens Weekend complements the many cultural experiences that make our community distinctive.”

Project GREEN leaders say the event also benefits tourism, introducing visitors to the area’s landscapes, neighborhoods, restaurants and community spirit.

About Project GREEN
Project GREEN (Grow to Reach Environmental Excellence Now) champions environmental conservation, community beautification, and public gardening initiatives across the greater Iowa City area. A cornerstone of their work is the Project GREEN Gardens, an 8-acre sweeping public green space meticulously maintained in partnership with the city on the historic grounds of the city-owned Ned Ashton House at 820 Park Road. Since its founding in 1968, this volunteer-driven nonprofit has invested more than $2.3 million into local landscaping projects, enhancing public parks, roadsides, riverfronts, and school grounds. Now spanning over 55 years of dedicated community service, the organization continues to cultivate vibrant, sustainable environments for all residents to enjoy.

For additional information and map pickup locations, visit http://ProjectGREEN.org.