spring flower gardens
 

Looking for some nice spring flower gardens that are open to the public in late april early may ( daffodils, tulips, etc). in either northern ct. mass, Rhode Island, southern NH or southern ME. Would like large displays of flowering bulbs, etc.

Thanks

The Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, MA (just east of Worcester) is worth a visit. They have several different types of gardens in a beautiful setting (with an expansive view, including Mount Wachusett and Wachusett Reservoir) - lovely in any season. I haven't been there in April or early May, but when I was there last summer, I noticed there was a meadow with a sign that said it was full of daffodils, and I remember thinking that I must go back when the daffodils are in bloom. There is a very nice cafe there (on the terrace in good weather) that is a nice place to go for lunch. See www.towerhillbg.org for more info.

I just read about a place in Bristol, Rhode Island called Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum, which sounds wonderful. It's a 33 acre estate on Narragansett Bay, with seven different gardens and a 45-room mansion that you can also tour. One of the gardens has thousands of daffodils, which sounds like what you had in mind. I looked at their website (www.blithewold.org), and it looks really lovely. In fact, I think I'll have to plan a trip there myself!

I have a book called "Gardenwalks" by Marina Harrison and Lucy D. Rosenfeld, which lists over 100 of the best gardens from Maine to Virginia (that's where I read about Blithewold). You might want to pick up a copy of this book for other suggestions.

White Flower Farm in Litchfield, CT - get their catalog or go to their website at http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com). Litchfield also has great B&B's, antique shopping and New England charm. I live in SW Connecticut, yet I always drive and hour to get there just to see their bulb gardens in the spring, and buy wonderful plants for my garden!

Amy

yes know about White flower farm catelog. do they have much of a display? when - late april?

White Flower Farm. Those gorgeous photos are taken in their gardens. LMF

In one catelog they mentioned that the daffodil and daylily display was taken at NY botanical garden. have you actually been to their gardens?

I've been twice. I went specifically to see their borders one time, that was in May and once to see the tuberous begonias. Litchfield is a garden tour of itself with lovely gardens, old homes, antiques and quaint restaurants. LMF

Blithewold Manor is a good choice. The town is nice to walk around in also. And since you're in the area, check out Roger Williams Park in Providence. There is also a zoo, but the gardens are what you really want to see.

We just went to Elm Bank in Wellesley, which has a great tulip display in early May. Still going on for probably another week or so.

ALso heard that Tower Hill DOES have a great daffodil display in April, but missed it.

Daffodils: Just went to tower hill botanical garden yesterday (april 13). there is a field of daffodils, plus various clumps of daffs all over the gardens. Plus tons of various little blue flowering bulbs, scilla and ???. Lovely visit. nice place to go this time of year. Should be daffs for the next few weeks.

1/2 price with triple A membership.