Descriptions of Gardens
Descriptions for the 2027 Tour Gardens will be posted the first day of the Tour, June 5th, 2027. Reading the descriptions below will give you an idea of the types and characteristics of gardens we had on the Tour in 2026.
The 32nd Garden Tour will be held on June 5th and 6th, 2027.
Important: Pick up your map to the Tour Gardens at Topiaries on the day of your tour. Maps will not be available online.
Ticket Sales will be at Topiaries (138 East 4th Street) in downtown Hermann on tour weekend beginning at 10AM. These sales are cash and check. You will be given a map at time of purchase.
The 31st Garden Tour was on June 6th and 7th, 2026. The Descriptions below detail the features of those gardens. On Tour Weekends, gardens open at 10AM.
2026 Tour
Welcome to the 31st Year of Garden Tours in Hermann. We are happy you have decided to join us. The money we raise from our tours supports beautification in Hermann and scholarships for Hermann students.
Please do not rely on GPS to find gardens. GPS is unreliable in both the town and country portions of the Tour. Use the maps provided. A green flag will mark the entrance to the garden. There are also some green signs that guide you on turns. Please note that many gardens have uneven areas and historic or steep walkways and steps. While we are thrilled that you have decided to come on our tour, the Garden Club and garden owners assume no liability for those who choose to enter the gardens. The tour goes on rain or shine. Visits may be spread over Saturday and Sunday. We hope you enjoy the tour and will return next year; our tours are always the first weekend in June.
Welcome to our 2026 gardens!!
Town Gardens
1. Garden Tour Ticket Sales and Topigardens at Topiaries
138 East Fourth Street
Topiaries is located at the corner of East Fourth Street and Schiller Street. Tickets will be sold here from 10 until 4 on Saturday and 10 until 3 on Sunday. A map will be provided to the Gardens. Don’t miss the beautiful, two-level garden behind the shop called TopiGardens. Enter from Schiller Street through the Moon Gate, and enjoy all the beautiful plantings and garden ornamentation. The gardens are a combination of form and function with a focus on bird habitat. Flagstones connect the two levels of the garden with multiple water features perennial flower beds, and multiple seating areas to watch the birds. Some uneven terrain on rock paths and stepping stones.
Parking: Street Parking on both sides of Schiller and Fourth
2a The Hermannhhof Gardens at the Tasting Room and
the Himmelstreppe
New gardens have been planted around the Hermannhof Tasting room. Feel free to wander admiring the plantings beside the parking lot, Then head to the stairway on the hillside. Himmelstreppe Gardens is a “Stairway of Beauty and Welcome” nestled along the hillside path connecting the historic cottages of the Inn at Hermannhof to downtown Hermann, Himmelstreppe Gardens follow the stairway often used by guests staying in these beautifully preserved buildings. The gardens not only enhance this scenic walk but also contribute to the charm of the surrounding neighborhood, creating a rich sense of place that blends heritage with hospitality.
Lined with trees sourced from local grower Pea Ridge, the hillside features a striking variety of redbuds—including several rare cultivars—that highlight the nursery’s exceptional selection and care. Though planted less than five years ago, the gardens already reflect a deep commitment to thoughtful design and stewardship.
Tucked into a steep and varied landscape of sun and shade, Himmelstreppe requires ongoing attention and care. As the garden continues to grow, it stands as a living tribute to Hermann’s enduring love of gardens.
Parking: Parking lot beside Dierberg and Star Lane Wine Tasting Room on East 1st Street (Hwy 100 East) . If you wish, you can walk up the Himmelsteppe to Teresa’s Garden or you can drive
2b. Teresa’s Garden
Teresa’s Garden is a walled garden beside the Weinert House, the second house from the top of the Himmelsteppe. Just go down the steps on the left of the house. It is a peaceful place with roses, other perennials, and beautiful fountains. There are also beautiful plantings in front of the cottage around the corner from Teresa’s Garden. You can either return the way you entered and go around the corner to the right of the garden or walk up the steps at the bottom left of the garden.
Public Gardens
3. Hermannplatz (No Gardener Available)
(Public Garden located behind the Hermann Firehouse).
To reach Hermannplatz, park near the old Firehouse and follow the sidewalk behind the Firehouse around the side of the building to the garden with the bronze statue of the German hero Hermann in its center. This Hermann entrance garden was funded by the Garden Club and other community organizations. This beautiful garden has year-round color. Plantings include Emerald Magic Holly, Crape Myrtle, , Annual Coreopsis, Prairie Dropseed Grass, Dwarf ‘Hamelen’ Grass, and Limelight, Annabelle, Summer Crush, Let’s Dance, Invincible Spirit II, Tiny Quick Fire, and Munchkin Hydrangea, Norway Spruce, Weeping Redbuds and Castle Green Oak.
Parking in lot across the street. Walk to Deutschheim on East Second Street.
4. Deutschheim (Look for container near the entrance with brochures describing garden and 19th-century gardening practices)
Enter using the steps located between 101 W. 2nd and 107 W 2nd. Pass through the beautiful old iron gate and step back in time. A traditional German four-square gemüsegarten is planted with heirloom vegetable varieties, as it would have been in the 19th century. There is also a Kraütergarten (herb garden), black raspberry bushes, an heirloom peach tree, and a variety of flowers including roses. Visitors can exit the gardens the way they came in. Guided tours of the homes are offered at 10:00, 12:30, and 2:30 on both days and the visitor center will be open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. The guided tour is $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Parking: Park on either side of West Second Street.
5.The Greenhouse Garden
From Market Street, turn west/right on 6th Street, left on Washington, and right on West 7th. House is across from Elementary School.
The garden is wheelchair accessible. Enter through the gate in the wooden fence to the right of the house.
The house was built in the late 1800’s. The owners purchased the house in 2017. At that time there wer 2 mature maple trees and also mature Norton grapes believed to be close to 100 years old on an arbor behind the house. Since moving in, the gardeners have added several structures including a she-shed, a garage, and , in 2024, a greenhouse made from windows sourced from a friend. The gardens conis of a mix of natives, perennials, and herbs.There is a strong focus on providng a native habitt for pollinators and birds. Raised beds have been added for a variety of veggies and a cutting garden. (Don’t miss the unique birdhouses on a tree on the far side of the house.)
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Parking: On the street in front of the wooden walled garden on your right.
6. The Accidental Garden
This garden is also on 7th, just beyond The Greenhouse Garden.
Enter the garden by going up the steps to the right of the house on 7th Street. The terrain and stepping stones are uneven. The garden is not wheelchair accessible.
This if a flower-filled cottage garden that has evolved over many years. Small pathways meander through different garden areas. Different flowers bloom during different seasons. In late spring, the garden is filled with irises and spring perennials. In early, summer there are lilies, oak leaf hydrangeas, Cornus Kousa, yuccas, campanula, veronica, and more. Don’t miss the new unique walkway to the left of the garden with winding paths. It leads to the back patio
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7. Our Backyard Bounty
To reach this garden, return to Market Street, turn right, and go south After you pass Grannemann Electric and the Hermann Motel on your left, look for a street also on your left that Y’s. Follow the curve to your left which is 12th Street. The garden is in front of and behind the fourth house on the right. It’s a brown rock home with a carport on the right.
The garden is not wheelchair accessible. Please walk down the driveway to the back of the house. If you wish, you can walk around the yard after touring the back
The gardeners’ anticipation is that this is a simple garden that provides: food, beauty, and the satisfaction it supplies to your mind, body and soul. The garden has an area where the gardeners’ grandkids each planted their favorite vegetable. There are irises, peonies, lilies, echinacea, and other perennials throughout our yard to attract butterflies and hummingbirds
Parking: Park on the same side of the street as our home, as it is a narrow street. If you would like and if there is space, you can park in front of the gardeners’ house.
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Country Gardens
All of the 2026 Country Gardens are on Hwy 19 South of Hermann.
9. Linda’s Wabi Sabi Garden
The garden at 1662 S Hwy 19 is approximately 7 mlles south of Hermann on Hwy 19. Watch for the Green Garden Tour flag on the left.
The garden terrain is uneven on the winding walking paths. The gardener will have walking sticks available for those who need them. It is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Walk from the parking area in front of Ray’s shop up the gravel driveway to enter the garden in front of the house.
This shady garden has many unique features made by the gardeners including benches and birdhouses. There are many pots filled with annuals. Most of the features are made from found materials. Admire the creative repurposing.
Here is a description of the concept of a Wabi Sabi garden, “Have you ever wondered if a garden can be beautiful without being perfectly manicured? What if embracing simplicity and natural imperfection could create a more peaceful outdoor space? That’s the magic of a wabi sabi garden. Instead of chasing perfection, these gardens focus on celebrating nature’s raw beauty, with weathered stones, uneven pathways, and plants growing just as they please.”
Parking: Pull in front of Ray’s Shop.
10. Lavendel Dame Lavender Farm & Boutique
The Lavender Farm at 1716 Hwy 19 South is less than a mile from the Wabi Sabi Garden.
The lavender field is very noticeable and to the right of the house. Other areas to view around the house will be pointed out. The farm features an 800+ plant multi-variety lavender field. First plantings began in 2022 with
additional rows added each year. English varieties should be in peak bloom during the tour with French varieties possibly beginning to bud. A guide will be provided noting the varieties and additional areas to view on the farm including an apothecary herb garden with tulsi, calendula, lemon balm, marsh mallow, and Roman and German chamomiles. The flower bed in front of the 1911 farmhouse features coneflowers. A set of 8 raised beds below the house, near the lake, are dedicated for vegetables and culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano. Plants gathered from the farm’s gardens and wild are used in the Lavendel Dame products which will be for sale in the farm studio as well as boutique on Market Street.
Please be aware that we have 6 beehives along the woods edge adjacent to the lavender field.
Accessibility: The lavender field is most likely wheelchair accessible. It
is sloping but there is enough width between the rows for a wheelchair and the owners have not discovered any significant divots in the ground that would impede wheels.
Parking: Park along the edge of the circle drive. It is ok to pull onto the grass at the edge if not muddy. Please beware of the concrete dip at the bottom of the drive that can cause a low vehicle to drag.
11. Hermann Grain Bins Memorial and Meditation Garden
Drive toward Swiss on Hwy 19. This garden is approximately 8.3 miles (10 min) from the Lavender Farm. Watch for Stone Hill’s big orchard acreage on the left. Turn Left off Highway19 into the driveway where big red/white sign located. You will see a huge grove of 45 ft tall pine trees on the left next to Stone Hill’s big orchard acreage. The terrain is level but not wheelchair accessible.
Enter in the front where the walking path guides you through the garden. Please stay on the pathway.
The garden is dedicated to the gardener’s son Christopher Dean LaBoube who passed in 2000 from brain cancer and holds a special place as “her heavenly angel here on earth as well as other friends and family members who have predeceased me in spirit form.”
The garden is divided into different sections. There is a water feature with a seating area under oak trees providing shade with some sun exposure as well. This area is closer to the back section of the big red barn and offers a view of the entire garden area looking toward Steinbeck Road (gravel roadway). Another seating area, mostly shade is located closer to the parking area in the front right portion of the garden. People can choose where they want to be and what they want a view of while they relax, read, meditate, rejuvenate and go down memory lane of their love and loss of loved ones. The gardener says, “You can also enjoy the power of Mother Earth and the energy of the garden especially if you sit barefooted with feet on the ground!”
There is a dry creek “look” that runs through the garden created with 3-4 inch earth brown tone colored creek gravel which adds some contrasting color and mismatched perfect shapes of stones to enhance the look. It also serves as a natural drainage for rainwater that comes toward the garden area from the higher land in the pine tree forest which drains that direction. When designing a water feature, the gardener recommends that others “reuse Mother Nature’s blueprint, SHE ALWAYS KNOWS where the water should be redirected.”
In the Steinbeck Road corner which offers the power and heat of full sun, there is an assortment of wildflowers, sunflowers, and daisies. New smaller trees are being planted and an arbor is being planned. The gardener writes, “This is a great area for photos and I will probably add a meditation bench there too for guests to enjoy the fragrance of the flowers in full bloom. This area was planted to attract pollinators and promote the beauty of color in flowers!”
There are 7 wooden half bourbon barrels that are filled with annuals of assorted bright colors. These barrels hold the colorful hand painted poles that support the LED outdoor lighting to bring more life to the garden for guests and visitors in the evening light hours. Barrels are planted with various colorful annuals to bring more color and life to the garden for visual enjoyment!
Parking: Enter at the front entrance driveway off Highway 19 and park in several gravel areas off the driveway itself. You can also park by the smaller fire pit grain bin to the left as well as the back parking area. The driveway circles over to Steinbeck Road (a gravel county road), so you can easily pull through and park on Steinbeck as well. PLEASE keep front parking open for any guests that may be staying on site at the B&B
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