PowellsWood may be hidden, but it's no secret garden.

"We have 2,500 people on our mailing list now," said Monte Powell, the garden's creator.

Tucked into a ravine below South Dash Point Road, the 3-acre private garden has cultivated interest by regularly inviting the public to take a peek. An annual highlight is the garden's Mother's Day celebration, which showcases the beauty of PowellsWood in full spring glory.

Visitors can see for themselves from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14.

"It's a much different garden than it was even three years ago," said Powell. "It's really filled in."

PowellsWood is like a piece of art that is constantly being touched up.

PowellsWood features eight garden "rooms" filled with a thousand varieties of trees, shrubs and plants. Meandering paths lead from room to room while carpets of lawn invite visitors to pause and admire their surroundings, including a tranquil pond.

For those who miss the Mother's Day celebration, the garden is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays from April through September as well as by appointment at other times. In addition, PowellsWood is participating in the Garden Conservancy's annual Open Days program in which groups of private gardens throughout the country open their gates on the same date. PowellsWood's date is Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Garden Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving exceptional American gardens for public education and enjoyment. Founded in 1989, the Garden Conservancy partners with individual garden owners and public and private organizations to secure the future of notable gardens once their original owners are no longer able - or present - to carry on.

With an eye toward PowellsWood's ultimate future, Monte and his wife, Diane, are starting to explore their long-term options. They've been in touch with the Garden Conservancy to learn more about how other gardens have addressed their futures.

The Garden Conservancy operates a "Preservation Assistance Center" that offers the planning, fund-raising and public relations expertise owners need to preserve their gardens for future generations. In some cases, it takes charge of the process by leading Garden Conservancy Projects. The key in both cases is to establish a local organization capable of preserving the garden.

A nearby example is the Chase Garden in Orting. First, a conservation easement was arranged that left the land in private ownership but protected the garden from potential development. The Garden Conservancy then helped organize The Friends of the Chase Garden to raise funds to maintain the garden, plan for its future and open it to the public.

"With all of the development going on all around us, it's important to save as many green spaces as we can," said Powell.