How to Explore Lynnhurst Neighborhood Gardens

The Lynnhurst neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a quiet, tree-lined enclave known for its historic homes, strong community spirit, and an unexpected treasure: a vibrant network of private and shared neighborhood gardens. These gardens are more than just patches of greenery—they are living expressions of local culture, environmental stewardship, and neighborly connection. Exploring Lynnhurst neighborhood gardens offers a unique opportunity to experience urban horticulture at its most intimate and authentic. Unlike public botanical gardens or large-scale parks, these hidden green spaces are cultivated by residents with care, creativity, and a deep sense of place.

For garden enthusiasts, urban explorers, photographers, and residents seeking deeper community ties, understanding how to explore these gardens respectfully and meaningfully is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to uncovering the beauty of Lynnhurst’s gardens—from identifying accessible spaces and understanding local norms to documenting your journey and contributing back to the community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious visitor, this tutorial will help you navigate Lynnhurst’s horticultural landscape with knowledge, sensitivity, and appreciation.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Boundaries and Garden Locations

Before stepping foot into any garden, begin with accurate geographic awareness. Lynnhurst is bounded by 36th Street to the north, 42nd Street to the south, Lyndale Avenue to the east, and Chicago Avenue to the west. Within this area, gardens are not always marked on public maps. Start by consulting the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association website, which maintains a community resource page with informal garden locations shared by residents. Additionally, use Google Maps satellite view to scan for patches of green that stand out from typical lawns—look for raised beds, trellises, compost bins, or garden ornaments.

Pay attention to properties with visible signage such as “Community Garden” or “Welcome to Our Garden,” often placed near sidewalks or fences. These are indicators of gardens open to respectful observation. Avoid assuming all green spaces are public—many are private residential gardens. Always assume access is granted only by invitation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

2. Connect with the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association

The Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association (LNA) serves as the central hub for community engagement. Join their monthly newsletter or attend one of their quarterly meetings, typically held at the Lynnhurst Community Center. These gatherings often feature garden tours, plant swaps, or guest speakers on urban gardening. Volunteers frequently share tips on which gardens are open to visitors during specific events, such as the annual Lynnhurst Garden Walk held each June.

Don’t hesitate to send a polite email to the LNA’s garden committee. Many residents are eager to share their passion and may invite you to join a guided walk or provide a map of gardens that welcome visitors. Building a relationship with the association is the most reliable way to gain access to gardens that aren’t publicly advertised.

3. Observe and Respect Property Boundaries

When exploring, always remain on public sidewalks or designated pathways. Never step onto lawns, driveways, or private paths unless explicitly invited. Many Lynnhurst gardens are nestled behind fences, hedges, or low stone walls—these are intentional boundaries designed to protect the privacy of homeowners. Use binoculars or a zoom lens on your phone to observe details from a distance if you’re drawn to a particular arrangement of flowers or herbs.

Be mindful of signage. Some gardens display “Please Do Not Enter” or “Private Garden” notices. Others may have more whimsical signs like “Sit and Stay a While” or “Pick a Mint Leaf.” These are cues to interpret the garden owner’s intent. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Respecting boundaries preserves trust and ensures future access for others.

4. Time Your Visits for Optimal Experience

The character of a garden changes dramatically with the seasons and time of day. Spring (late April to early June) is when bulbs, tulips, and early perennials bloom in full color. Summer (June through August) offers the most lush and diverse displays, with vegetables, herbs, and climbing vines at their peak. Fall brings rich textures in ornamental grasses and late-blooming asters. Winter, though dormant, reveals the structure of garden design—pruned shrubs, trellises, and hardscaping.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and quietest atmosphere. Midday visits may coincide with residents tending their plots, which can be disruptive. Avoid weekends if you’re seeking solitude; many residents enjoy their gardens on Saturday mornings. Weekday afternoons, especially between 3–5 p.m., often offer the ideal balance of beauty and peace.

5. Engage Respectfully with Garden Owners

If you encounter a resident tending their garden, a simple smile and nod can open the door to conversation. A courteous comment like, “Your lavender border is stunning—what variety is that?” often leads to a friendly exchange. Avoid asking to enter the garden unless the homeowner initiates the invitation. If they offer, accept graciously and follow their lead.

Never touch plants, pick flowers, or take cuttings without explicit permission. Even if a plant looks abundant, it may be part of a larger design or intended for seed saving. If you’re interested in a specific plant, ask if the owner has extras to share or where you might purchase similar varieties locally.

6. Document Your Journey Thoughtfully

Photography is a wonderful way to preserve your exploration, but always prioritize consent. Avoid photographing people without permission, especially children or individuals in private outdoor spaces. If you’re taking photos of gardens, focus on the plants, structures, and overall composition—not on people’s homes or faces.

Consider keeping a journal or digital log. Note the date, location (e.g., “corner of 38th & Lyndale”), plant varieties observed, design elements (e.g., “raised cedar beds,” “recycled bottle edging”), and any memorable details like birdhouses, stepping stones, or garden art. This record becomes a personal archive and can later be shared with the neighborhood association to help map and celebrate local green spaces.

7. Participate in Community Garden Events

One of the best ways to explore Lynnhurst gardens is to become part of them. Attend the annual Lynnhurst Garden Walk, where residents open their private gardens to the public for a self-guided tour. Maps are distributed at the community center, and many hosts offer refreshments, plant cuttings, or gardening tips. It’s a rare chance to see gardens normally hidden behind closed gates.

Volunteer for the LNA’s “Greening Lynnhurst” initiative, which organizes planting days, rain garden installations, and native plant workshops. These events often take place in shared spaces like the Lynnhurst Community Garden at 40th and Chicago, which is open to all residents. By contributing your time, you earn deeper access and insight into the community’s gardening culture.

8. Learn to Identify Native and Adapted Plants

Lynnhurst gardens often blend ornamental species with native Minnesota flora to support pollinators and reduce water use. Familiarize yourself with common native plants such as coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), and prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Many residents use these for their low maintenance and ecological benefits.

Use plant identification apps like PictureThis or iNaturalist to document unfamiliar species. Upload your photos to iNaturalist with the location tag “Lynnhurst, Minneapolis”—this contributes valuable data to citizen science projects tracking urban biodiversity. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize patterns: which gardens favor pollinator-friendly designs, which use rain barrels, and which incorporate compost systems.

9. Share Your Experience Responsibly

If you post about your garden explorations on social media, avoid tagging exact addresses or posting photos that reveal private property details like house numbers, license plates, or children playing. Instead, use general hashtags like

LynnhurstGardens, #MinneapolisUrbanGardens, or #NeighborhoodGreenSpaces. Share stories that highlight beauty, sustainability, and community—not voyeurism.

Consider writing a blog post or creating a photo essay for the Lynnhurst newsletter. Highlighting a garden’s design, the story behind its creation, or the resident’s motivation for gardening can inspire others to start their own plots. Recognition often encourages more residents to open their gardens to the public.

10. Give Back to the Community

Exploration should be reciprocal. If you’ve enjoyed the beauty of Lynnhurst’s gardens, consider giving back. Donate seeds, compost, or tools to the community garden. Offer to help with weeding or mulching during a volunteer day. Share your skills—perhaps you’re skilled in photography, writing, or carpentry—and offer to help document gardens or build raised beds.

Even small acts matter: leaving a thank-you note for a garden host, picking up litter near a garden path, or simply telling a neighbor how much you appreciate their work. These gestures strengthen the culture of care that makes Lynnhurst’s gardens so special.

Best Practices

Always Prioritize Privacy and Consent

The foundation of exploring Lynnhurst neighborhood gardens is respect for private property. These are not public parks—they are extensions of people’s homes. Never assume access is granted. Always wait for verbal or visual cues that indicate openness. A garden with a gate left ajar is not an invitation—it may simply be for ventilation or ease of access for the homeowner.

Adopt a “Leave No Trace” Ethic

Even if you’re only observing, your presence can impact the environment. Avoid stepping on soil, disturbing mulch, or leaning on fences. Keep pets leashed and under control. If you bring water or snacks, carry out all trash—even compostable items can attract pests or disrupt wildlife. Leave the space exactly as you found it.

Learn the Language of Garden Design

Many Lynnhurst gardens reflect intentional design principles. Look for elements like color harmony (e.g., purple and yellow blooms paired for contrast), layering (tall perennials at the back, groundcovers in front), and texture contrast (feathery grasses beside broad hosta leaves). Recognizing these techniques deepens your appreciation and helps you understand the thought behind each space.

Be Seasonally Aware

What looks like a barren patch in October may be a thriving vegetable garden in July. Avoid judging a garden’s value based on one season. Some residents prioritize winter interest with evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, and decorative branches. Others focus on spring ephemerals that disappear by June. Understanding seasonal cycles prevents misinterpretation and fosters patience.

Support Local Nurseries and Gardeners

Many Lynnhurst residents source plants from local nurseries like The Garden Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or local co-ops. When you admire a plant, ask where it came from. Support these businesses by purchasing from them yourself. This creates a ripple effect—local nurseries thrive, more residents buy native plants, and biodiversity increases.

Document with Purpose, Not Performance

While it’s tempting to take photos for Instagram, avoid staging shots or asking residents to pose with their gardens. Authenticity matters. The most compelling garden stories come from quiet observation, not curated moments. Focus on the details: dew on a petal, the curve of a hand-built stone path, the way sunlight filters through a trellis. These are the images that truly capture the spirit of the space.

Recognize Cultural and Generational Differences

Lynnhurst is home to residents of diverse backgrounds. Some gardens reflect Scandinavian traditions of simplicity and functionality; others showcase Latin American or Southeast Asian influences with vibrant colors and edible plants. Older residents may grow heirloom vegetables passed down through generations, while younger gardeners experiment with pollinator meadows. Approach each space with curiosity, not assumption.

Stay Informed About Local Regulations

Minneapolis has ordinances regarding composting, rain barrels, and fencing. Some gardens may use structures that appear unconventional but are fully compliant. Understanding these rules helps you appreciate the ingenuity behind each garden. For example, a garden using repurposed windows as cold frames is not just creative—it’s environmentally smart and legally sound.

Encourage Inclusivity

Not everyone has the space or ability to maintain a garden. Lynnhurst gardens are often shared resources that benefit the entire neighborhood—improving air quality, reducing heat islands, and increasing property values. Advocate for public recognition of these spaces. Push for signage that celebrates resident gardeners and educates visitors on their ecological benefits.

Be Patient and Persistent

Building trust takes time. You may visit a garden several times before a resident feels comfortable speaking with you. Don’t rush relationships. Consistent, respectful presence over weeks or months is more powerful than a single bold request. The gardens of Lynnhurst are not meant to be conquered—they are meant to be cherished.

Tools and Resources

Online Maps and Databases

While there is no official public map of all Lynnhurst gardens, several digital tools can aid your exploration:

• Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association Website – Offers downloadable PDFs of past Garden Walk maps and event calendars.
• Google Earth and Google Maps Satellite View – Use the historical imagery feature to see how gardens have evolved over the past decade.
• iNaturalist – Search for observations tagged “Lynnhurst” to discover which plants are thriving in the area.
• Minneapolis Urban Garden Map – A city-maintained database that includes community gardens and some private plots marked by residents.

Books and Publications

Deepen your understanding with these resources:

• “The Living Landscape” by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy – Learn how to design gardens that support native wildlife.
• “Gaia’s Garden” by Toby Hemenway – A guide to permaculture principles often applied in urban Minnesota gardens.
• “The Minnesota Garden” by Linda K. Kline – Focuses on native plants and climate-appropriate gardening in the Upper Midwest.
• Lynnhurst Newsletter Archives – Available on the LNA website, these contain decades of resident stories, garden tips, and event recaps.

Mobile Apps

These apps enhance your on-site experience:

• PictureThis – Instant plant identification via photo.
• Seek by iNaturalist – Identifies plants and insects without requiring an account.
• PlantSnap – Useful for recognizing ornamental species not native to Minnesota.
• Weather Underground – Check local microclimate data to understand why certain plants thrive in Lynnhurst.

Local Organizations

Connect with these groups for deeper involvement:

• Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board – Community Gardens Program – Offers grants and workshops for residents.
• Minnesota Native Plant Society – Hosts plant sales and field trips focused on native species used in Lynnhurst gardens.
• University of Minnesota Extension – Hennepin County Master Gardeners – Volunteers provide free advice and sometimes lead neighborhood tours.
• Lynnhurst Community Center – Houses gardening tools for loan and hosts seasonal workshops.

Physical Tools for Exploration

Carry these items for a more rewarding experience:

• Compact binoculars – For observing details from a distance without trespassing.
• Small notebook and pen – To record plant names, design notes, and impressions.
• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated without creating waste.
• Camera with zoom lens – For high-quality photos without intruding.
• Field guide to Minnesota native plants – A printed copy is useful when phone batteries die.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Peterson Family’s Pollinator Haven

At 3920 37th Street, the Petersons transformed their front yard into a certified pollinator garden in 2019. What was once a patchy lawn is now a mosaic of coneflowers, bee balm, milkweed, and native asters. They installed a small rain barrel and use compost from their kitchen scraps. The garden features hand-painted wooden signs labeling each plant and a bench for quiet observation. In 2021, they were featured in the Lynnhurst newsletter after a child from the neighborhood asked to draw their garden for a school project. The Petersons now host “Pollinator Story Time” every June, inviting local families to sit on the sidewalk and read books about bees while their children observe butterflies.

Example 2: The Cornerstone Community Plot

At the intersection of 40th and Chicago, a group of five neighbors created a shared raised-bed garden on a previously unused strip of land between two homes. With approval from the city, they built cedar beds, installed a shared compost bin, and planted vegetables like tomatoes, kale, and zucchini. Each family tends one bed but shares harvests and tools. The plot is open for neighbors to pick herbs (with permission) and has a chalkboard where residents post messages like “Got extra basil!” or “Need help weeding Friday.” This garden became a model for the city’s “Micro-Community Garden” pilot program.

Example 3: The Widow’s Herb Garden

At 4120 38th Street, 82-year-old Eleanor Ramirez maintains a small but meticulously arranged herb garden behind her bungalow. She grows rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chives in terracotta pots arranged along a stone path. Each plant is labeled with a handwritten tag in Spanish and English. Eleanor, who moved to Lynnhurst from Mexico City in the 1960s, says her garden connects her to her mother’s kitchen. She often leaves bundles of fresh herbs on neighbors’ doorsteps with notes: “For your soup.” Her garden is rarely photographed, but locals know it’s a quiet act of generosity.

Example 4: The Art Garden of the Lin Family

At 3715 41st Street, the Lin family combines gardening with sculpture. Their backyard features a bamboo trellis draped in wisteria, surrounded by ceramic garden angels made by their daughter, a local artist. They use reclaimed bricks for pathways and incorporate solar-powered fairy lights that glow at dusk. The garden has no fence—only a low hedge—and they welcome quiet visitors to admire the art. They host an annual “Light and Bloom” evening in August, where neighbors bring tea and sit among the glowing plants. It’s a celebration of beauty, memory, and resilience.

Example 5: The Schoolyard Garden Connection

Lynnhurst Elementary School partners with residents to maintain a teaching garden on school grounds. Students plant seeds in spring, harvest in fall, and donate produce to a local food shelf. Several parents from the neighborhood volunteer weekly. In return, the school allows residents to access the garden after hours during growing season. This symbiotic relationship has strengthened ties between families and schools, and the garden has become a symbol of community interdependence.

FAQs

Can I walk into any garden I see in Lynnhurst?

No. Most gardens are private and located behind fences or hedges. Always remain on public sidewalks and never enter without explicit permission from the homeowner.

Is there a map of all the gardens in Lynnhurst?

There is no official public map, but the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association distributes a map during the annual Garden Walk in June. You can also request a list of gardens open to visitors by contacting the LNA.

What should I do if I see someone trespassing in a garden?

Do not confront the person. Instead, note the time and description and report it to the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association. They will follow up with the homeowner and, if necessary, the neighborhood watch.

Can I take cuttings or plants from a garden?

Never. Even if a plant looks abundant, it may be a rare variety or part of a larger design. Always ask the owner first. Many are happy to give you a cutting if they have extras.

Are there any gardens open to the public year-round?

The Lynnhurst Community Garden at 40th and Chicago is open to residents with a plot. Some shared spaces like the school garden may be accessible during daylight hours, but always check with the LNA for current access rules.

How can I start my own garden in Lynnhurst?

Contact the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association for guidance on permits, soil testing, and community resources. The University of Minnesota Extension offers free soil kits and planting advice for residents.

Why are there so many native plants in Lynnhurst gardens?

Native plants require less water, support local pollinators, and are adapted to Minnesota’s climate. Many residents choose them for sustainability and ecological responsibility.

Can I bring my dog to explore the gardens?

Only if your dog is leashed and you have explicit permission from the homeowner. Dogs can damage plants, disturb wildlife, and cause anxiety for residents. Many gardens are not pet-friendly.

What’s the best time of year to explore these gardens?

June through August offers the most color and diversity. However, spring (May) reveals early blooms, and fall (September–October) showcases stunning foliage and structure. Winter offers a different kind of beauty in bare branches and hardscaping.

How can I support Lynnhurst’s garden culture if I don’t have a yard?

Volunteer at the community garden, donate supplies to the LNA, share photos and stories on social media, or simply compliment a neighbor on their garden. Every gesture helps sustain this unique culture.

Conclusion

Exploring Lynnhurst neighborhood gardens is not merely an activity—it is an act of quiet reverence for the people, place, and plants that shape this community. These gardens are not curated for tourists or designed for Instagram backdrops. They are the living, breathing expressions of care, resilience, and connection. To explore them is to witness the quiet revolution of urban greening—one seed, one hand-painted sign, one shared harvest at a time.

As you walk the sidewalks of Lynnhurst, remember that behind every fence is a story. A widow tending her mother’s herbs. A family teaching their child the names of bees. A group of neighbors turning a forgotten strip of land into a shared feast. These are the threads that weave the fabric of community.

Approach each garden with curiosity, humility, and gratitude. Observe more than you photograph. Listen more than you speak. Give more than you take. In doing so, you don’t just explore Lynnhurst’s gardens—you become part of their enduring legacy.

Let your footsteps be light. Let your heart be open. And let the gardens, in their quiet, steadfast way, teach you how to grow—not just plants, but compassion.