Master Gardener's Annual Garden Walk

Master Gardeners’ Garden Walk – A Celebration of Historic Gardens and Growing Traditions

Every year on the weekend following Mother’s Day, the streets of Ste. Genevieve’s historic district bloom with even more beauty than usual as the Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners host their annual Garden Walk. This beloved event offers a rare opportunity to peek behind historic fences and garden gates, exploring both private and public gardens that range from authentically recreated 18th-century plots to contemporary landscapes that honor the town’s horticultural heritage.

Step Into Living History

What makes this Garden Walk particularly special is its setting among Ste. Genevieve’s exceptional collection of historic homes. Several of the featured gardens belong to houses dating back to the French colonial period, and these gardens have been carefully researched and planted to reflect authentic 18th-century design and plant selections.

In the 1700s, gardens weren’t just decorative—they were essential to household survival and economy. French colonial gardens typically featured raised beds for vegetables, herbs for cooking and medicine, fruit trees, and perhaps a few flowers chosen for both beauty and utility. Many also included “potagers”—the French term for ornamental kitchen gardens where practical growing and aesthetic design harmoniously coexist.

Walking through these historically accurate gardens offers insights you simply can’t get from books. You’ll see which plants thrived in this Mississippi River Valley climate, understand how gardens were laid out for both efficiency and beauty, and appreciate the knowledge and skill required to maintain a household garden in an era without garden centers or modern tools.

From Colonial to Contemporary

While the historic gardens provide a window into the past, the Garden Walk also showcases contemporary gardens that demonstrate how modern gardeners honor tradition while embracing new techniques, plants, and design philosophies. You might encounter native plant gardens that support pollinators, water-wise landscapes adapted to climate realities, cottage gardens bursting with color, or formal designs that echo European traditions.

This blend of old and new creates a comprehensive garden education—you’ll leave inspired by both historical authenticity and modern innovation, with ideas you can adapt to your own garden regardless of your style or experience level.

More Than Just Gardens

The Master Gardeners’ Garden Walk has grown into a full weekend celebration of horticulture, community, and springtime beauty:

Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale: Take home more than just inspiration! The Master Gardeners offer a carefully curated plant sale featuring well-grown specimens, unusual varieties, and plants particularly suited to the region’s growing conditions. These aren’t big-box store leftovers—they’re quality plants selected by people who know gardening inside and out. Plus, you can ask questions and get expert advice on caring for your purchases.

Art Exhibits: Gardens and art naturally complement each other, and the weekend often features special art exhibits that celebrate botanical themes, landscape painting, or nature-inspired creativity. It’s a feast for the eyes that extends beyond the living plants.  Last year saw a plein air contest in conjunction with the Garden Walk.

Saturday Farmers Market: Time your visit for Saturday and you can also enjoy the Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market, where local growers offer fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and handmade products. It’s a perfect pairing—tour gardens in the morning, then stock up on locally grown food and plants at the market.

Learn From the Experts

The Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners are volunteers who have completed extensive horticultural training through the University of Missouri Extension. Their knowledge encompasses botany, soil science, integrated pest management, sustainable gardening practices, and much more. Throughout the Garden Walk, you’ll have opportunities to ask questions, seek advice for your own garden challenges, and learn tips and techniques from people who are genuinely passionate about helping others succeed with plants.

This accessibility to expertise is invaluable. Whether you’re wondering about that problem plant in your yard, curious about starting a vegetable garden, or seeking advice on native plantings, the Master Gardeners are happy to share their knowledge.

Perfect Timing in the Garden Calendar

The weekend after Mother’s Day is an ideal time for a garden walk in Missouri. Spring is in full glory—bulbs and early perennials are blooming, trees are leafed out, roses are often showing their first flush, and the oppressive heat of summer hasn’t yet arrived. Gardens look their spring best, and the weather is typically perfect for leisurely strolling.

It’s also prime planting season, which means the inspiration you gain and the plants you purchase can go directly into your own garden while conditions are optimal for establishment.

A Community Tradition

The Garden Walk represents something deeper than just a tour of pretty spaces—it’s about community knowledge-sharing, the preservation of horticultural heritage, and the connections formed between people who love growing things. Homeowners generously open their private spaces to strangers, Master Gardeners volunteer countless hours, and visitors come together in appreciation of beauty, sustainability, and the simple joy of a well-tended garden.

In our increasingly digital world, there’s something grounding and essential about spending a weekend focused on living plants, historic landscapes, and the cycles of growth that connect us to both the past and the future.

Supporting a Good Cause

Proceeds from the Garden Walk support the ongoing educational and community service work of the Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners. Throughout the year, these dedicated volunteers maintain public gardens, offer free educational programs, staff help lines, and work to make gardening knowledge accessible to everyone in the community. Your participation in the Garden Walk helps fund these important efforts.

Plan Your Visit

When: The weekend following Mother’s Day (typically mid-to-late May)

Where: Throughout Ste. Genevieve’s historic downtown district—easily walkable, with gardens within comfortable distance of each other

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Camera for capturing inspiration
• Cash/cards for the plant sale and vendors
• A tote bag for your purchases
• A notebook if you like to jot down plant names and ideas

Make a Weekend of It: Consider arriving Friday evening and staying through Sunday. In addition to the Garden Walk, you can explore Ste. Genevieve’s historic sites, enjoy excellent local restaurants, browse unique shops, and perhaps even catch other special events happening during this popular spring weekend.

Accessibility: While specific accessibility varies by garden (some historic properties have uneven terrain or steps), organizers work to ensure that as many gardens as possible can accommodate visitors with mobility considerations.

Whether you’re a serious gardener seeking historical authenticity and horticultural inspiration, a casual plant lover who simply enjoys beautiful spaces, or someone looking for a unique way to spend a spring weekend, the Master Gardeners’ Garden Walk offers something special. Come see where history, horticulture, and community intersect in one of Missouri’s most charming towns.