Welcome to Spring
Botanical Gardens to Explore in the area
Celebrate the arrival of spring by viewing birds, bees, flowers and butterflies. Nothing says spring quite like the bright colors of blooming flowers, the buzzing of honeybees and fluttering of birds and butterflies. Kick off the season in the fields, greenhouses, aviaries and butterfly houses of these Northeast botanical gardens.
Elizabeth Park Conservancy – West Hartford
With over 100 acres of formal gardens, green space and walking paths, Elizabeth Park is open year-round, dawn to dusk, and free to the public. The 11,000 plus flowers of the Robert A. Prill Tulip Garden bloom in early spring. Dog friendly.
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens – Stamford
The Arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors will find a dozen gardens and miles of trails here. Bartlett has a list of online events, classes and lectures that nature lovers of all ages can take advantage of. There is also a concert series on select Sundays through the summer. Mid May through mid September, Master Gardeners from the University of Connecticut offer a free plant clinic on site to help solve your garden issues. Parking and admission are free. Dog friendly.
New Canaan Nature Center – New Canaan
This nature center’s 40 acres feature trails, an outdoor birds of prey exhibit, a variety of gardens and a greenhouse. Bring the children and explore the boxwood maze in the Children’s Play Garden, plus animal exhibits, local art, crafts on Wednesdays and more at the visitor center. Free to the public. Dog friendly.
Wickham Park – Manchester
Wickham Park has 10 themed gardens as well as open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas and an aviary. The park is open daily from the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October, from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. Entrance fee is $7 per car on weekdays and $9 on weekends and holidays. Dog friendly.
The Arboretum at Connecticut College – New London
The Arboretum has over 6,000 plants. It is open to the public every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.
Hollister House Garden – Washington
Experience the manicured and lush setting of an English garden right in Washington, CT. Opening day is April 22. Come early in the season to see the daffodils and Lenten hellebores. Visiting hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gertrude Jekyll Garden – Woodbury
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden is open free to the public year round, seven days a week from dawn to dusk.
Harkness Memorial State Park – Waterford
The gardens, grounds, picnic area and waterfront are open year round, and visitors (and dogs) are welcome until sundown. Parking is free for residents with a Connecticut license plate.
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