Want a quick day trip that will renew your soul? Try visiting a garden. Connecticut is home to numerous beautiful gardens that offer a serene escape and a chance to immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Here are some of the best gardens to visit in Connecticut:
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden (Hartford): Located in Hartford, Elizabeth Park Rose Garden is renowned for its stunning display of over 15,000 rose bushes. It features a wide variety of rose species, including hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, and old-fashioned roses. The garden also offers picturesque paths, pergolas, and a gazebo, creating a romantic and enchanting ambiance.
Hill-Stead Museum Gardens (Farmington): The Hill-Stead Museum Gardens in Farmington are a blend of formal and informal landscapes, designed by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. The gardens boast a diverse collection of trees, perennials, and annuals, with highlights including the sunken garden, the woodland garden, and the sunken bowling green. Visitors can also explore the museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and antiques.
Hollister House Garden (Washington): The Hollister House Garden in Washington is a hidden gem that showcases an English-inspired garden style. It features beautiful borders filled with a rich variety of perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs. The garden also incorporates several outdoor rooms, including a white garden, a lily pool garden, and a wildflower meadow.
Florence Griswold Museum and Gardens (Old Lyme): Located in Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum offers not only a glimpse into American art history but also beautiful gardens to explore. The gardens feature a mix of formal and informal elements, including a historic garden, a sunken garden, and a cutting garden. The museum itself was once a boarding house for artists of the Lyme Art Colony.
White Flower Farm (Litchfield): While not a traditional public garden, White Flower Farm in Litchfield is a horticultural paradise. It is a renowned nursery that offers an extensive selection of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies. Strolling through the nursery grounds is a delight, as you'll encounter beautifully arranged display gardens that showcase various plant combinations and design ideas.
Marsh Botanical Garden (New Haven): Part of Yale University, the Marsh Botanical Garden in New Haven is a charming garden that offers a diverse collection of plant species. It features a tropical greenhouse, an outdoor succulent garden, and various themed gardens, including an herb garden and a rock garden. The garden is an educational and serene oasis for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts.
These gardens in Connecticut provide a range of experiences, from vibrant rose displays to tranquil botanical collections. Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation, or a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll, these gardens are worth a visit for any nature lover or avid gardener.
Photo: Florence Griswold Garden
"Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get."
- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.