Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré

The Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré opens magnificent courtyards of the French Quarter for a special weekend tour. This highly anticipated event offers the allure of private and historic gardens otherwise closed to the public. The walking tour reveals how garden designers take advantage of small spaces and provides access to the cool and private hideaways suited to the Louisiana climate in architectural styles of the early Spanish and French. Several courtyards will be open in different locations each day for a self-guided walking tour between the hours of noon and 4 pm. Tickets are $20 each (children 12 and younger free) and will be available for purchase prior to the tour at Creole Delicacies, 533 St. Ann Street (at Jackson Square) and at French Quarter Gem & Lapidary, 527 St. Philip Street (near Decatur). (888) 756-6250. patioplanters.org.