Historic Rockhill Gardens and Architecture Tour Tomorrow

by Sarah Snodgrass   ·   May 16th, 2025   ·   Filed Under Architecture + Design, Featured Homes + Neighborhoods, Local Kansas City   ·   No Comments

Rockhill Gardens and Architecture Tour

Tomorrow, May 17, 2025, is the Rockhill Architecture and Gardens and Architecture Tour. If you aren’t familiar, Rockhill is the prestigious neighborhood to the east of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The tour commemorates Rockhill’s 50th year anniversary of the designation as a National Historic District. William Rockhill Nelson founded the neighborhood in 1904. Nelson was the founder of the Kansas City Star, and lived on the site of the museum. Upon his death, his estate and funds were used to establish the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.

There will be eight gardens featured on the tour, and about 40 homes to view on a walking architectural tour. This is not an indoor homes tour, rather, a walking tour of a historic district.

648 E 45th St – Rear View
Volunteer Sarah Snodgrass
4501 Holmes St
4501 Holmes Two-Story Porch
Sculpture at 4501 Holmes
Peonies at 4501 Holmes St

As an Extension Master Gardener volunteer, I was invited to preview the eight gardens on the tour, and they are magnificent! Each has its own personality, size, and design aesthetic. I saw formal gardens, native gardens, meandering pathways, garden sculptures, and even a white garden. If you go, please message me and let me know your favorite. My favorite home and garden site is 4501 Holmes. I thought it was the perfect mix of natural, native, trees, flowers, structural, and whimsy. The home itself is brick with an open two-story porch along the front. It was designed notable architects, Howe and Hoit, and built in 1908 (later additions added).

Tickets

I will be there tomorrow as a garden volunteer; I hope to see you there! Tickets are available online in advance for $20, or $25 in person at the day of the event. Check in and ticket sales are located at 532 Pierce Street, and parking is encouraged at the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden.

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About Sarah

Hi- a bit about me! I’m a real estate agent and master gardener living in the quaint Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City with my family. I’ve been a full-time agent since about 2007 (no dabbling here!), and I’m committed to stellar service for all my clients. I love to garden, and grow my own food at home – better for humans and the environment. I am also passionate about native plants which support our ecosystem. I am an experienced negotiator, and home and garden stager. Need to move? I’m your girl – hit me up for service or advice.