An Inside Look at River Oaks’ Best Gardens: Vaunted Trail Takes Us Behind the (Private) Hedges of Spectacular Homes

Rain or shine, the harbinger of spring in Houston is the revered River Oaks Garden Club’s Annual Azalea Trail — a tour through six stately gardens in River Oaks, all within a walkable 4.5 miles, Friday through Sunday, March 11-13, 11 am to 5 pm each day.

This year’s Azalea Trail includes three private homes and gardens, the gardens at the Chapel at The Church of St. John the Divine, Bayou Bend, Rienzi, and River Oaks Garden Club’s Forum of Civics gardens. Along the way you’ll find trolleys, James Coney Island and Crave cupcakes food trucks and live music.

Join interior designer Charlotte Moss and Leontine Linens first lady Jane Scott Hodges, along with trail co-chairs Kit Detering and Carmen Knapp for a kick-off Ribbon Cutting at Bayou Bend, 2940 Lazy Lane, on Friday at 9:30 am. Then hit the trail.

2016 Azalea Trail locations:

The Forum 2503 Westheimer

St. John The Divine  2450 River Oaks Blvd

Home & Garden 3238 Huntington Place

Home & Garden 3456 Inwood Drive

Bayou Bend 6003 Memorial Drive

Rienzi 1406 Kirby Drive

Home & Garden 3452 Del Monte

Tickets are $25 for all gardens, at the Forum of Civics, 2503 Westheimer and at all Trail entrances. Free parking at Lamar High School. To learn more, visit riveroaksgardenclub.org.