Save Saturday, July 19 for The Bar Harbor Garden Club’s 2025 tour, Gardens by the Sea. We invite you to visit five stunning Bar Harbor gardens to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty from 10 am to 4 pm.
Our deepest thanks to Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, our Presenting Sponsor, our dedicated planning committee, and you for making our garden tours a huge success. As we look forward to the 2025 Gardens by the Sea Tour, we are grateful for the continued generosity of all the volunteers, members, sponsors and attendees.
Spend the day on Saturday, August 16 with Berkshire Botanical Garden at Rockland Farm in Canaan, N.Y., for an immersive symposium on ornamental garden design. Hosted in a beautifully restored barn surrounded by gardens, this event features presentations from Roy Diblick, Kathryn Herman, Frances Palmer, and Dean Riddle. Morning refreshments and lunch are included. The day will conclude with cocktails and a guided tour by our hosts, Madeline and Ian Hooper.
Roy Diblick is co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, Wis. He has been growing traditional and native perennials since 1978. His garden designs emphasize plant relationships to maintenance strategies and costs. Diblick’s design and planting projects include the Louis Sullivan Arch for the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago and the lakeside plantings at the Shedd Aquarium. He recently designed the perennial plantings for Scott Byron’s new garden design for the Chicago History Museum and a 12,000-square-foot gravel garden for the Argonne National Laboratory, which houses the world’s biggest computer. His book The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden (Timber Press) highlights his perennial gardening practice.
Kathryn Herman is the principal at Kathryn Herman Design, based in New Canaan, Conn. With 28 years of experience, she brings a rich horticultural background, a deep appreciation for architecture and insights gained from extensive global travel to her residential and commercial projects across the United States and internationally. Her thoughtful and sophisticated designs have earned widespread recognition, including multiple Palladio and Stanford White Awards, as well as honors from the Connecticut and New York Chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Her work has been featured in leading publications both in the U.S. and abroad, including Veranda, House & Garden UK and Architectural Digest. In 2012, Kathryn was inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame for her contributions to landscape architecture in the region. She was named a “Star of Design” by the Pacific Design Center in 2017, and in 2018 she received the prestigious Arthur Ross Award.
Frances Palmer has been working in ceramics since 1987. Though trained as an art historian, she has always been drawn to creating with her hands. She began as a printmaker, but over time her creative practice evolved to include pottery and gardening — two disciplines that, like printmaking, transform ideas into tangible form. Palmer doesn’t create or cultivate to keep things for herself; instead, she finds joy in sending her work out into the world for others to use and appreciate. Her ceramics—whether everyday dishware or distinctive vases — are functional pieces of art, thoughtfully handmade and intended for daily life. Each one, regardless of size or shape, is treated as a unique expression. She feels honored to know that her work is part of people’s lives across the country, especially when it’s present during shared meals, celebrations, and the simple joys of gathering with others.
Dean Riddle first fell in love with the native plants of the southern Appalachians. That passion led him to spend a year interning at Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire, England, where he cared for a renowned collection of shrubs and trees. Still, tucked in the back of his mind were memories of his grandmother’s garden, bursting with ripe tomatoes and colorful zinnias. Later, when he found himself in the Catskills, he planted a kitchen garden for his friend Kate Pierson, singer of the B-52s. “I had gone from being a snooty horticulture student, obsessed with orchards and rare woody plants, to growing a kitchen and flower garden where I could simply go out and pick fresh lettuce,” he told The New York Times. Since 1990, he has run a small garden design/build company in the Catskills and Hudson Valley. Riddle is the author of the book Out in the Garden: Growing a Beautiful Life (HarperCollins). He lives in Livingston Manor, N.Y.
Embark on an enchanting spring cruise with the American Horticultural Society April 21 – 26, 2026, along picturesque Dutch waterways aboard the privately chartered river barge, Magnifique II, led by AHS Senior Director of Horticulture Matt Mattus. Amidst blooming season, visit public and private gardens on expert-guided tours and observe innovative horticultural techniques inspired by Wageningen University’s Foodvalley. While highlighting Holland’s botanical wonders, the journey also showcases world-class art museums that house masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. This cruise promises a harmonious and fascinating exploration of natural beauty and human artistry. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to participate in an optional post-trip extension in Amsterdam, featuring private access to historic homes and gardens along the Vecht River. Click here for Program Brochure and Registration.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program continues June 14 in Worcester County, Massachusetts with stops at three spectacular gardens.
The Garden in the Burrow in Holden (named after the Weasley household of Harry Potter fame) is a one-acre plot divided into many different growing areas, including a year-round interest shrub border, a peony and lilac hedge, a new woodland area, fruit trees and multiple borders with perennial and woody plants tucked in everywhere. The shrub border has blooming ornamentals from February to October and colored dogwood and a few conifers for the remaining months. There are two things that stand out about the garden here. First, this was a cleared acre, dug from a working sand pit in 1996, and every single tree, shrub, vine, plant, and rock was brought in and placed by the owners’ hands. They make their own soil, compost and leaf mold on site and have made what was a barren place into a haven for birds, insects, small mammals and humans. The second is that although they grow roses, hydrangeas, and loads of woody plants and perennials, clematis is the favorite, and you will see them everywhere. They grow into the trees, into the shrubs, romp along in the gardens and some decorate the porch and a few arbors or other free- standing supports. In June and July, they are the stars of the garden, if the rabbits cooperate and leave them alone. The former rock garden (devastated by a brutal winter with no snow cover) is currently being reworked to a more natural space. There are many covered seating areas, and our guests are most welcome to take a seat on our porch, or under a pavilion or pergola to get out of the sun and take in the constantly changing views.
Candlewood Farm in New Braintree is a second-generation perennial garden and orchard ofers a vibrant display of seasonal blooms inspired by English garden design. In 1967, Magi Durham, a recent émigré from England, purchased this 10-acre property with her husband. She began cultivating a traditional English flower garden, complete with terrace and central lawn for playing croquet, hedged of from the road by lilacs. Magi developed the garden for over 35 years and added a greenhouse in the ’90s to house her orchid collection and start seeds. In 1970, Magi planted a willow tree to celebrate the birth of her daughter, Sarah. Today, that tree towers over the garden’s western edge. Sarah and her husband, Craig, who now live there, planted two additional willows in honor of their daughters, to carry on the tradition. Craig, who is passionate about trees and meadows, also planted a multi-genus orchard composed of 16 fruit trees in 2012. The couple added raised beds, where they grow vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers for fun. Their newly acquired honey bees add to the charm of the dynamic garden spaces where they also serve as a retreat and family oasis.
Swift River Farm (pictured) is in Petersham. When Bruce and Gus acquired this 87-acre property in north central Massachusetts in 1998, there wasn’t even the hint of a garden to be seen. Over the next few years, an orchard of heirloom apple varieties was planted, stone walls built, and the first of several perennial gardens was installed. A woodland garden filled with spring ephemerals, epimediums, hellebores, mukdenia, hostas, and small flowering trees and shrubs now stretches from the front of the house down along the north side of the property to a bed of tree peonies. There is also a large rock garden, a spring garden with primulas, and spring bulbs. In 2010, Gordon Hayward created a master plan designed to unite the gardens, adding a water garden, a large pollinator meadow garden, an oak walk, and gravel paths allowing easy access between different areas. Since 2012 Helen O’Donnell, garden designer and plantswoman extraordinaire, has been consulting on planting design and new garden projects.
This summer, experience an enchanting evening in bloom with Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Cocktails in Great Gardens — a rare opportunity to sip, savor and stroll through some of the most exquisite private gardens in the region. Enjoy a cool beverage and snacks in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, all while exploring extraordinary landscapes not usually open to the public.
On June 20, join us as we travel just up the road from the Botanical Garden to visit a recently developed garden by our neighbor and board member, Scott Lambert, in Stockbridge. Scott drew inspiration for his gardens from his attendance at our very own Rooted in Place Symposium featuring entomologist DR Doug Tallamy in 2019, and from the meadow research and experience of frequent BBG lecturer and author, Owen Wormser. To fulfill his garden vision, Scott collaborated closely with long-time BBG supporter and collaborator, Rebekah Lamphere of Hartland Designs, who added her expertise in landscape design, plant selection, and succession throughout the seasons. Please join us to experience a worthy example of how a “blank canvas” residential landscape can be transformed into a pollinator-, wildlife-, and biodiversity-friendly environment.
The Peony Society of Maine will sponsor a Peony Garden Tour on June 14 from 10 – 3, beginning at 1348 Ohio Street in Bangor. Four gardens will be featured. Open to the public, for a $5 donation per person. For more information visit https://peonysocietyofmaine.net/
Join the Carlisle Garden Club for a day of beauty, nature, and discovery as you visit private gardens throughout Carlisle, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, 10 – 4. This year’s Tour features five stunning and diverse country gardens that are sure to delight. This event is held rain or shine. Early bird pricing in effect through May 31. Tickets may be purchased online https://www.carlislegardenclub.org/2025-garden-tour.html or by mail-in check addressed to Carlisle Garden Club, PO Box 231, Carlisle, MA 01741. Ticket booklets may be picked up or purchased on both days of the Tour on the Carlisle Town Common located in front of the First Religious Society Church, 27 School Street, Carlisle, MA 01741. All proceeds support the Carlisle Garden Club’s education and beautification initiatives, as well as a Scholarship program in Carlisle. Early bird pricing: Carlisle Garden Club members $20, Seniors $20, Adults $30. Regular pricing after June 1 – $35. The Carlisle Garden Club puts on a tour every other year, so take advantage – the next one won’t occur until 2027!
Join Emerald Necklace Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek for the Annual Walk of the entire Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace on June 7. Take in the sights, sounds and scale of these historic parks on a guided tour stretching from Franklin Park to Charlesgate. Rain Date June 8. Meet at Refectory Hill, Franklin Park, Boston 02115. Register at https://emeraldnecklace.org/. Do we need to say wear comfortable shoes?
Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont has created a two day Massachusetts garden tour with renowned horticulturist Charlie Nardozzi on July 8 and 9. Meet your Garden host Charlie Nardozzi and trip director Deb Flanders at the Williston Park and Ride. Board your private coach with stops in Montpelier and White River Junction on the way to Massachusetts. Our first visit is the beautiful New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Upon arrival enjoy boxed lunch provided by Farmer and the Fork before exploring the gardens.
The Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842, established New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston as a horticultural resource where people can experience the wonder of plants and learn about the natural world. Opened in 1986, the garden sits on 200 acres and includes conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, a café, Garden Shop, walking trails, accessible pathways, and expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir. After the botanical garden visit, depart for Boston and check in to the Colonnade Hotel Back Bay. Enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Boston (dinner paid individually).
On Wednesday after breakfast at the hotel, board the bus with your bags and transfer to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for a private tour. Isabella Gardner chose to site her Museum on the edge of the newly built Back Bay Fens, a part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace, because she saw the potential for this new landscape to enable, inform, and enhance the city of Boston. Today the museum continues to recognize the importance of landscape architecture through its landscape department, landscape lectures, and landscape exhibitions. The gardens, both interior and exterior, are an integral part of the Gardner Museum experience today. She created an experience that was as much about flowers and plants, artfully arranged, as it was about masterpieces of art. The culmination of that vision is the Courtyard but botanical images can be found throughout the Museum.
After the tour explore the outside gardens at your leisure. Enjoy a snack or a light lunch (paid individually) at the museum cafe before boarding the coach back to Vermont.
ACTIVITY LEVEL IS MODERATE TO HIGH: There is a fair amount of walking on this tour, especially in the New England Botanical Gardens. It has a 1.1-mile loop trail that’s good for walking and hiking.
PLEASE NOTE: Goodspeed Tours LTD reserves the right to alter the order of events or to make changes in the itinerary deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience, and safety of the participants. Every effort will be made to adhere to the printed itinerary, but weather conditions and transportation difficulties may arise beyond the control of Goodspeed Tours LTD and local suppliers could force the cancellation or substitution of events or specific services.
