Spokane’s Secret Garden

Have you been to Spokane’s “Secret Garden”?

Tucked into the hillside just west of the Corbin Art Center in Edwidge Woldson Park at 507 W. 7th Ave. is one of those Spokane places that’s surprisingly easy to miss: Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens.

This beautiful historic garden feels worlds away from the city, even though it’s just minutes from downtown. Winding paths, lush greenery, perennial flowers, stonework, a pergola and tucked-away garden spaces make it feel a little like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.

And the history behind it makes it even more interesting.

A Garden More Than 130 Years in the Making

The story begins in 1889, when Frank Rockwood Moore and his wife, Sarah, purchased the property and hired renowned Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter to design their home.

After Frank Moore died in 1895, the property eventually became home to U.S. Senator George Turner and his wife, Bertha.

In 1911, the Turners brought in Portland landscape architect Hugh Bryan to redesign and expand the gardens. His design incorporated elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, including a distinctive two-tiered pergola and tea house.

For years, the gardens flourished on the hillside.

After George Turner died in 1932, however, the property eventually passed to a bank. The house was demolished in 1940, and over the decades much of the once-beautiful garden disappeared.

Bringing Spokane’s Secret Garden Back to Life

Thankfully, this little piece of Spokane history wasn’t lost forever.

A major restoration effort began in 2005, supported by grants and private donations. One of the most significant gifts came from Spokane philanthropist Myrtle Woldson, who contributed in honor of her mother, Edwidge Woldson.

The surrounding park was renamed Edwidge Woldson Park in 2010.

Today, Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens has been carefully restored to reflect the garden as it appeared following its 1911 redesign. It’s a wonderful combination of Spokane history, architecture and nature—and one of my favorite kinds of local finds: a place you can drive past countless times without realizing what’s hiding just up the hill.

Visit Before It Closes for the Season

If you haven’t explored it yet, you still have a little time.

Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens
Just west of the Corbin Art Center in Edwidge Woldson Park
507 W. 7th Ave., Spokane

Open through September 15
Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Monday: Closed

If you love discovering Spokane’s lesser-known places, put this one on your list. Take your time wandering the paths, enjoy the flowers and imagine what this hillside must have looked like more than a century ago.

Sometimes the best Spokane adventures are hiding right in plain sight.

Thinking about making a move in Spokane? Whether you’re curious what your home is worth, considering selling, or just wondering what’s happening in your neighborhood, I’m always happy to be a resource. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help. Ronda 509.979.5894