Walk in the Footsteps of Pat Dye.
Crooked Oaks is more than a nursery—it is the living garden Pat Dye spent decades creating after his legendary coaching career. Every pathway, every Japanese maple, and every carefully placed stone reflects his vision of beauty, patience, and lifelong learning.
As we walk together through the garden, you’ll experience the landscape much as Pat intended, while hearing the stories behind its creation and the remarkable trees that define it.
Garden Stroll
Perfect for small groups wanting to experience Crooked Oaks.
Includes:
- Guided walking tour
- History of the property
- Introduction to Japanese maples and cultivars
- Q & A session
- 10 – 20 people
- Approximately one hour
The Collector’s Tour
Designed for gardening clubs, large groups, and plant enthusiasts.
Includes:
- Extended guided tour
- History of the property
- In-depth cultivar discussions
- Pruning principles
- Propagation overview
- Q & A session
- 20 – 30 people
- Approximately two hours
The Legacy Tour
An intimate look into the life, vision, and lasting legacy of Coach Pat Dye.
This exclusive experience invites guests beyond the gardens and into the places where Coach Dye dreamed, designed, and cultivated Crooked Oaks. More than a garden tour, this is an opportunity to experience the property through his eyes and gain a deeper appreciation for the passion that shaped every corner of the landscape.
Your Legacy Tour includes a guided walk through the mature Japanese maple collection before continuing to Coach Dye’s stunning Southwestern-inspired lakeside home that reflects the same appreciation for craftsmanship and nature found throughout the gardens.
Constructed with massive tree trunks, the home features live-edge wood, natural stone, and hand-crafted architectural details that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of mature specimen maples. Every space tells the story of a man who found peace, inspiration, and purpose in the beauty of the natural world.
Throughout the tour, you’ll hear personal stories about the property’s history, Coach Dye’s love of Japanese maples, and how Crooked Oaks has become a living legacy that continues to inspire gardeners today.
Includes:
- Extended guided garden tour
- The history of Crooked Oaks and its remarkable collection
- Stories of Coach Pat Dye’s passion for Japanese maples
- A private tour of Coach Dye’s lakeside cabin
- Discussion of the home’s unique architecture and craftsmanship
- Time for questions, photography, and reflection
- 20-30 people
- Approx. 3 hrs
Optional Lunch Experience
Complete your visit with lunch at the nursery. This relaxed setting offers time to continue conversations, ask questions, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings that inspired Coach Dye long after his coaching career.
