Your donation supports opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and lifelong learning amidst a backdrop of stunning landscapes and natural open spaces.
To serve the community by providing a forum for educational, cultural, and artistic events and activities, drawing upon the beauty and resources of our regional display garden and our community partners.
The King C. Hudson and Evelyn Leigh Hudson Foundation, Inc. ('the Foundation') carries on the legacy of Evelyn Hudson, a gardening enthusiast who dedicated her life toward making her home community of Littleton, Colorado the most beautiful city possible. She created the Foundation before her death in 1988, leaving her land and assets with the instruction to "preserve, maintain, and enhance the natural beauty of the property for the aesthetic enjoyment and education of the public."
Evelyn's 30-acre estate was transformed into Hudson Gardens and opened in 1996. Due to its expansion as a multipurpose garden and event center, the facility's name was changed to The Hudson Gardens & Event Center in 2002. It has evolved from a gated facility with controlled entry points to a public open space that offers free daily admission. Diverse nature-based recreational and educational programs are offered year-round, highlighted by beekeeping programs and the nationally-recognized Community Apiary, one of the first in the nation. Hudson Gardens is best known, and has gained acclaim, as a premier venue for private, public, and community events, including a popular summer concert series and a walk-through holiday light display.
The property has been owned by the South Suburban Park and Recreation District since 1997 and continues to be managed by the Foundation.
Ever since I moved to Colorado two months ago, I have been coming to Hudson Gardens almost every day. I just wanted to say thank you. Having a safe place where I can sit outside and process has been so helpful adjusting to grad school and a new state. You all do such an amazing job. The gardens are always perfect, and it shows such a respect for the people whose areas are dedicated to (and their families). I hope you know that your work is appreciated and matters a lot. -Shayna
Thank you so much for such an interesting and informative presentation. I enjoyed the program very much. We are supporters of Hudson Gardens, walk the Mary Carter Greenway Trail often, and consider ourselves extremely lucky to share such marvelous surroundings. Thanks to you and all the HG staff for the wonderful resources and programs you provide! -Lynn
I just wanted to write and thank you for all of the work you do to keep the gardens so beautiful for all of us to enjoy. I stop by often and am so grateful for this treasure, so close to home. You are so appreciated and I just wanted to tell you! -Donna
It's been another amazing year for Hudson Gardens. No matter how many times I visit I always find something new and interesting. I continue to be impressed with the beauty of the grounds and by the hard work of your staff and the volunteers. Thank you for making Hudson Gardens a wonderful place! -Julie
We thoroughly enjoyed our membership, from both the standpoint of seeing the gardens at many different times of the year, as well as by attending, and bringing guests to, some very good concerts there in the summer! Thank you again for the pleasure we received through visits to your beautiful Gardens.
-Marilyn and Patrick
The jewel of Littleton. What an awesome place right in the heart of our backyard!
-Esther
It is my pleasure to be a part of Hudson Gardens and supporting this wonderful gift to the community.
-Deb, volunteer
Please see the "Programs" section for more testimonials from our patrons!