Connecticut’s Historic Gardens

My Lists Keep Growing

Check it out.

I like the idea behind this trail (they don’t really call themselves a trail, but I do for CTMQ purposes). I like gardens and I like history so I must really like historical gardens. 13 of the current 14 gardens are at museums, so I’ll get to them by default. Although, I’ve run into an issue with this… I’ve been to two in the winter (empty gardens – like the Bellamy-Ferriday House garden to the right) and one at night (couldn’t see anything.) I did, however, happen to get married right in the middle of one, so that’s cool.

The lone non-museum garden is only open to the public two times in 2010 (when I’m writing this). That’s sort of exciting… Especially since I won’t be able to go on one of the days.

Check the website for what I assume is an annual Historic Gardens Tour day (in 2010, it’s June 27th). Also print off this brochure and visit three, get this “passport” initialed and get a free prize! Man, these guys do it right – it has everything I love.

Mission

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens raises awareness of distinctive historic sites and gardens within Connecticut’s borders. By pooling funding, design, marketing and volunteer resources, the organization increases programming opportunities, offering the public experiences rich in beauty and history, and brings greater recognition and visitation to member sites.

History

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens was started in 2002 by a small group of historic sites with gardens that pooled resources to participate in the annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show held in Hartford, Connecticut in February. Out of this collaboration came the development of a comprehensive brochure, funded by a grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, that is now distributed in CT, MA and NY. The group now also participates in the New England Flower Show in Boston. In 2009, the group will host its 6th Annual Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day, with special programs offered at each site.

The 14 Gardens:

1. Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem (Winter visit)
2. Butler-McCook House & Garden, Hartford (Night visit)
3. Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
4. Glebe House Museum, Woodbury
5. Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford (Wedding visit)
6. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford (Old visit)
7. Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
8. New London County Historical Society, New London
9. Osborne Homestead Museum, Derby
10. Promisek at Three Rivers Farm, Bridgewater (Rarely open!)
11. Roseland Cottage, Woodstock
12. Thankful Arnold House, Haddam – CTMQ Visit
13. Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Wethersfield (Got married here!)
14. Weir Farm, Wilton