Troy

Troy's Hidden Garden Tour, now in its 16th year, attracts hundreds of visitors. And more of them — liking what they have seen — are becoming residents and homeowners.

Tucked behind the brownstone homes that line the streets of Sage College, Washington Park, the Pottery District and adjoining downtown Troy neighborhoods grow some of this city's most unexpected treasures.

With over 25 very different gardens, expect inspiration, from plants to paths, fountains to fish, vegetables to hardscape and plant varieties.

"Two homes in downtown Troy sold as a result of this event because they could see what was possible," said Nina Pattison, a tour organizer whose garden is one of those on display. "Homeowners (work) for weeks pruning and preening so visitors can see the possibilities these backyards offer behind the facade of brick."

Jim Conroy, a real estate broker who with his wife Phyllis also have a garden on the tour, said the garden tour gives visitors an opportunity to see what urban living can be like.

"Young people, empty-nesters, people who for a variety of reasons are leaving the suburbs and looking for property in the historic districts," have boosted demand.

"Right now Troy is so attractive that we have more people looking than we have properties to sell downtown," he said.

This tour, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, is a fundraiser of the Friends of Prospect Park, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the improvement and preservation of Troy's Prospect Park. One of three major parks in Troy, its 80 acres are home to many types of recreation, rolling lawns, interesting plants and picnicking facilities all within walking distance of these neighborhoods. Deeded to the city in December of 1902 by the Warren family, its history dates back to Uncle Sam's era.

Organizers hope with the growing interest and excitement in Troy's revitalization the tour will blossom, making this fundraiser a huge success while 'providing a once a year opportunity to peek into the hidden outdoor living spaces created by the residents of these neighborhoods', Peter Grimm, president of the Friends of Prospect Park noted.

Parking is available at the Russell Sage lot at First and Division Streets. Admission to the tour is $10. Tickets are available in advance online at http://troygarden.brownpapertickets.com or at the check-in-table in the Russell Sage College Parking lot the day of the tour.

Nancy O'Donnell writes Gardener's Notebook for the Times Union. Contact her by e-mail at dodonnell@nycap.rr.com.