Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré

Ambassador Lindy Boggs greets guests in her Vieux Carré courtyard.

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 styles of the early Spanish and French architecture. 

The 2010 Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, and Sunday, October 17, and the courtyards will be open for the self-guided walking tour between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. each day.   Tickets are $20 each (children under 12 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), 1-888-756-6250.  For questions, contact us at news@patioplanters.org.

White Elephant Sale & Auction

Auction, ard Sale, and Raffle — something for everyone!  Some of the best French Quarter businesses, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and shops donate gift certificates and auction items for this event.  The yard sale items are all donations from members and friends of the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, and include jewelry, books, clothing, and plants.  Baskets of Cheer full of wine and spirits are raffled off throughout the day.  This November fundraiser take splace at the corner of Royal and St. Philip Streets in the parking lot of the Little Red School House in the French Quarter.  Donations and auction items are accepted year-round by the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré (please check our listing for restrictions) .                         Admission:  Free and open to the public.

Our next White Elephant Sale begins on Saturday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m., and the Auction begins at 12:00 noon.  We look forward each year to selling a huge collection from our generous donors. If you have donations or want to buy raffle tickets for the Baskets of Cheer, please do not hesitate to contact us at whiteelephant@patioplanters.org. Last minute donations are happily accepted.  Many thanks go out in advance to all the volunteers who assist in this fabulous fundraiser.

Holiday Home Tour

December 19. Savor the holiday spirit as Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré presents French Quarter residences dressed for the season. The tour includes interesting architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as a variety of collections of Christmas decorations.  This December fundraiser is a prelude to the highly anticipated Caroling in Jackson Square later in the evening. 

French Quarter residents will open their homes for the self-guided walking tour between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 each (children under 12 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), 1-888-756-6250.

PROCEEDS FROM THESE FUND-RAISERS BENEFIT:

Caroling in Jackson Square

Sunday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. Join in a truly moving 64-year-old tradition as Jackson Square brims with candlelit faces and song-lit spirits as high as the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral.

Candles and song sheets provided. Gates open at 6:30 pm and Caroling begins promptly at 7pm. Free and open to the public.

DONATIONS are appreciated.