TICKETS
Explore Beautiful Residential Gardens
We're excited to have you join us on this unique journey through some of the most captivating residential gardens in the greater Alton area.
By purchasing a ticket, you're not only supporting Pride, Incorporated, a local non-profit dedicated to community beautification, but also gaining exclusive access to these private oases.
To ensure a pleasant experience for all attendees and respect the privacy of the homeowners, each garden on the tour requires a ticket for entry. Please remember to have your ticket (paper or digital) with you and present it at each location for admittance.
Olin Mansion
John & Jayne Simmons
12 Danforth
Prepare to be greeted with a commanding first impression of the graceful reflecting pool in front of this grand mansion surrounded by pathways providing panoramic river views. You will pass through expansive lawns leading to a beautiful backyard extending along the length of the home, punctuated by tennis courts, a children’s play area and large swimming pool area with housing for entertainment as well as guest and caretaker quarters.
Ed Morrissey
1210 White Oak Trail
Godfrey, IL 62035
This garden showcases the homeowner's passion for native plants and pollinators. The carefully curated double-lot features a wide variety of colorful plants, including Japanese maples, mugo pine, boxwood, red roses, and junipers. The hibiscus-lined driveway leads to a vibrant patio filled with potted flowers.
The backyard blends sun and shade areas with a woodland filled with oak, sassafras, persimmons, redbuds, and more. Limestone-lined gardens weave into butterfly-friendly spaces with bird baths and fountains. Among the variety are Shag oaks, tulip trees, birches, and many other types of trees and shrubs.
Steve Potter
1104 Alby Street
Alton, IL 62002
This urban space is a delightful surprise with every inch covered with charm
including meandering stone walkways, ground plantings for sun and shade as well
as potted plants of cacti, succulents and more, creatively designed covered and
open seating, some clustered around a chiminea amidst a wide variety of colorful
and interesting yard art, peaceful chimes and bird baths.
Melody & Joe Siddle
21 Pondway
Alton, IL 62002
Enter this backyard transformed to an oasis with swimming pool and deck to put you in a sun-splashed relaxed mood with a graceful swam pool float and a life-size giraffe statue from Africa!
Enjoy the charming home filled with eclectic decor and colors which blend the unexpected in delightful ways!
John & Wendy Stanton
5302 Deer Creek Court
Godfrey, IL 62035
Prepare to be inspired with more than 20 healthy varieties of hearty hibiscus and also many varieties of hydrangeas grown without using any chemicals so many birds and skinks are attracted which eat insects so the more than 250 day lilies thrive amidst many other colorful plantings in carefully managed beds and along winding walkways.
Ben and Trudi Allen
Descend the stone stairway in front of this sprawling home perched on the edge of the bluff and emerge into a stunning panoramic view of the river. You will come upon the outdoor kitchen with lounging area, swimming pool with fountain and hot tub as well as the outdoor fireplace that hosts seating providing for year-round enjoyment. For the adventurous, follow the pathway to the lower overlook.
Jeff & Carla Bland
3302 Nottoway Avenue
Godfrey, IL 62035
The labor of love is obvious as you stroll the spacious sprawling lawn with
landscaped walls, pathways, fountains, shaded and sunny areas, mature
plantings, seating areas tucked away, arbor with loveseat under cool vines and
plentiful plants providing pollinators and nectar for many honey bees in hives
toward the back of the property.
Mary & Chris Beiser
2662 N. Rodgers
Alton, IL 62002
The immaculate front yard and gardens seamlessly lead back through the fencing
to a beautiful open lawn with manicured bricked seating areas connected with
rock pathways to a large outdoor fireplace then flow up to a lovely vine covered
pergola over the porch with more tranquil seating areas easily accessible from the
home with colorful plantings throughout.
Bob Peyman
A backyard transformed into private paradise with palm trees, water jets spraying
invitingly into a swimming pool surrounded by colorful, lush vegetation and a hot
tub in a hut under a grass roof enclosure which will have you dreaming of the
island life, all the while a Certified Wildlife Habitat property providing the basic
elements of food, water, cover and places to raise their young.
Saint Ambrose Catholic Church
820 W Homer M Adams Pkwy
Alton, IL 62002
Church members have created tranquility with a wide variety of colorful
plantings, hanging as well as pots and others nestled in beds surrounded by rock
borders with benches for relaxing which provides a peaceful ambiance to
otherwise typical patio and sidewalk areas between church buildings.
Alton Main Street
3rd Street Gardens
West 3rd Street at Belle Street
Alton, IL 62002
Alton Main Street engages our community in the creation and maintenance of public gardens and green spaces throughout the historic downtown district. The group’s volunteers have risen to every challenge of caring for plants in an urban environment, and over the last decade they’ve embarked on a journey to transition their beds to native perennial flowers & grasses.
Cousley Sunken Garden
Angle Street at Belleview Avenue
Alton, IL 62002 - (Riverview Park in the Christian Hill Historic District)
The tender loving care from family and neighbors is evident in this sunken
memorial park featuring a well-planned and beautifully maintained colorful
central garden focal point surrounded by pinwheel style grassy lawns all which
provide a welcome respite from city life accessible by stone stairs just a short
walk from the bluff.
Download Flyer
Click this image to download the current Pride Incorporated Garden Tour Flyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets cost, and where can I purchase them?
Ticket are $20 per person. You may buy online here... or buy at these locations: • Pride, Inc. Office • Liberty Bank (Alton & Godfrey) • Karen Wilson - State Farm Insurance
What is the date and time of the Pride Garden Tour?
Sunday, July 9th, from 12:00 - 5:00pm
Are there any discounts available for seniors, students, or group purchases?
No discounts available.
Is the tour self-guided, or will there be guided tours available?
Most are self guided, but there will be a Pride Incorporated representative at each location for assistance, as well as Master Gardners and bee keepers at several locations
How long does the tour typically take to complete?
Depending on the time spent at each location, the average tour typically takes between 4 -5 hours.
Are the gardens wheelchair accessible or suitable for individuals with mobility issues?
Most properties are NOT handicap accessible, and several yards have slopes and inclines. There will be hosts there to assist with these problematic areas.
Are restrooms available at the garden locations?
No restrooms onsite. Please don't ask the homeowner.
Can I bring my children or pets to the tour?
Most home owners discourage bringing pets into their yards but welcome well behaved children.
Is photography allowed in the gardens?
As of today, none of the homeowners have objected to the taking of photographs.
What happens in case of inclement weather? Will the tour be rescheduled or refunded?
This is a Rain of Shine event. No refunds will be given.
Where does the tour begin, and how do I navigate between gardens?
You can pick your own starting point based on your personal location. A suggested map will be provided to help navigate.
Are there any refreshments or food available during the tour?
Some of the home owners have been known to serve snacks, but we do not advertise as such.
Can I volunteer or showcase my garden in future Pride Garden Tours?
Certainly! Home Nomination Forms can be found on our website: www.prideincorporated.org
What safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees?
We advise that you wear comfortable clothing, based on the weather, and good walking shoes. 👠 High heels are NOT recommended.. It is also recommended that you do not wear heavy perfume. 🐝 The homes that have bee hives behind their gardens, ask to refrain from wearing any sweet smelling perfume or hair spray.
What safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees?
We advise that you wear comfortable clothing, based on the weather, and good walking shoes. 👠 High heels are NOT recommended.. It is also reccomended that you do not wear heavy perfume. 🐝 The homes that have bee hives behind their gardens, ask to refrain from wearing any sweet smelling prerfune or hair spray..
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