Essential Gardens to Visit in Connecticut

In Litchfield County sits the Hollister House and its incredible English-style garden. In keeping with the designers who inspired it, the garden is divided into different sections or “rooms.” Each section has its own special energy and color palette. The tough part here is choosing a favorite.

Bartlett Arboretum and Garden is a 93-acre sanctuary in Stamford. Their mission is to help others explore and enjoy southwestern Connecticut’s native landscapes. If a first-class garden isn’t enough, you can expand your drawing and dog training skills at one of Bartlett’s education programs.

The Elizabeth Park Conservancy is as essential as Connecticut gardens get. With greenhouses, ponds, historic buildings, and one of the largest rose gardens in the country, there are plenty of stunning sites to see. Don’t forget to stop in at the Pond House Café for seasonal dishes that include herbs and vegetables grown on the premises.

Another delightful spot for flower lovers is Wickham Park. This 280-acre property extends into both Manchester & East Hartford. Not only is this park enormous, but it's also a gardening enthusiast’s fantasy. Tour the Irish garden, the Lotus garden, the Italian shrine, and a variety of several gorgeous gardens.

In Waterford, you’ll find this next gem. Harkness Memorial State Park boasts picnic areas, a beach, and tidal marshes along with its incredible formal gardens. The blossoms in the Harkness gardens are a pleasure all on their own. While you’re there, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for osprey and the many other birds that frequent the property.

On the border of Hamden and New Haven is Edgerton Park. This gorgeous green space has more than enough flora to satisfy any garden lover. Where Edgerton Park really stands out though, is in its dedication to the community it serves. Free garden lectures and community garden plots are summer staples. Edgerton also allows locals to grow vegetables in their greenhouse over the winter!

History buffs will love the Glebe House and Gertrude Jekyll Garden. Not only will you get your fill of beautiful blossoms, but you’ll also get to explore a property with roots older than the American Revolution.

Women’s contributions to New England landscape and architecture are on full display at the Hill-Stead Museum. Theodate Pope Riddle, the fourth registered female architect in the country, designed the museum’s structure. Beatrix Farrand, one of the nation’s first female landscape designers, also made a contribution to the grounds. Hill-Stead’s famous Sunken Garden was restored in the 1980s according to the original plans she drew.

The Pardee Rose Garden, Greenhouse, and Center occupy about 2 acres of New Haven’s East Rock Park. Take the time to smell over 50 varieties of roses! When you’re done, the other 425 acres of hiking trails and singular views are also worth checking out!

Explore the beautiful gardens of the Florence Griswold Museum, an enchanting American art exhibition with lovely grounds. Stroll the twelve-acre property by the Lieutenant River while admiring the historic gardens of Florence Griswold.