Connecticut in Bloom

Named for Revolutionary War hero David Wooster, New Haven’s Wooster square was conceived in the early 1800s and has been refurbished to simulate a turn-of-the-century park. Every spring, the square bursts into color when its border of Yoshino cherry trees come into bloom.

One of the season’s early risers, daffodils are a welcome presence in nearly every suburban yard in Connecticut. But, if you want to see thousands of these yellow beauties, head to the historic Denison Homestead Museum in Mystic.

Bartlett Arboretum’s Mehlquist Rhododendron Collection covers over one and a half acres of land and contains several hundred species, varieties and cultivars of Rhododendron.

Connecticut’s State Flower the Mountain Laurel is everywhere in the state, which is only appropriate. However, one of the greatest displays can be found in Union’s Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest. Here, you’ll find a mile-long Mountain Laurel Sanctuary where the plants reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. First planted in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Sanctuary offers spots for picnicking and joyful contemplation as well.

The wonderfully generous rhododendron grows profusely throughout Connecticut, and they are well worth a “stop and see the flowers” moment during the late spring/early summer. You can find a half-mile-long sanctuary within Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, where the native rosebay rhodies grow to heights of 10 to 15 feet, with leaves up to 10 inches long – all nestled among hemlock and Atlantic white cedar.

Elizabeth Park is on the national register of historic places. The park offers just over one hundred acres of formal gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Café. Go see the beauty of the gardens and grounds.