Boston Flora

Tag: Hydrangea Festival

  • Wednesday, July 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Hydrangea Festival Walking Tour of Historic Homes & Gardens in Sandwich

    Join the Sandwich Arts Alliance on a fascinating walking tour of showpiece historic houses and buildings on July 10 from 10 – 4, each with a beautiful view. Start your tour by picking up your map at the Sandwich Arts Alliance at the 1834 Old Town Hall. While there, view the restored ballroom. Begin at your own pace into the yards of the featured homes where you will be greeted by costumed docents. 

    Stroll around the ancient miller’s house that was sold by John Dexter in 1699 to Seth Pope, Esq. for his son. Although the miller’s house is listed as 1699, it was extant when Pope bought it, so it is far older. Bendora, a gorgeous and fanciful Carpenter’s Gothic Victorian “Painted Lady” with beautiful gardens, was built by Ben Bartley upon his 1888 marriage to Dora Newcomb.  
    The impressive 1850 Victorian mansion built by Edward Swann is reached through beach stone arches up a slight hill to a porte-cochere where guests alighted from carriages.  Anyone who has walked past the John Jarves house knows it is surrounded by extensive plantings secreted by a hedge. You will finally get to satisfy your curiosity. If you wonder what it’s like to live directly on Shawme Pond, a 1972 house is charmingly sited with views of swans and geese. The owner illustrated the cover of Fur, Feathers, Scales, and Tails, a pet book published by SAA.


    The birthplace of renowned children’s author Thornton Burgess –  Across from the Hoxie House is School Street, the location of the birthplace of Thornton W. Burgess. This year is the 150th Birthday Anniversary of Sandwich’s renowned 20th century naturalist and author of Old Mother West Wind and many other books. Come sit a moment on this inviting front porch and buy your inscribed copy of Burgess’ biography, Nature’s Ambassador, and a new children’s book, The Last Heath Hen, both by author Christie Lowrance who lives in this charming 1835 home.
     
    Make a point to stop in at Dexter’s 1654 gristmill.  Tour the Hoxie House and gardens, built for Rev. John Smith in 1675. Tour the Sandwich Glass Museum. Visit artists painting on the green across from SAA. 

    Plan on a delightful day with family and friends that you will always remember. $30, available online or at SAA, 130 Main Street in Sandwich.

  • Saturdays, July 6 & 13, and Sundays, July 7 & 14, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Wheldon Garden Tour

    Nestled within the West Barnstable community lies Meetinghouse Farm, a verdant oasis and horticultural sanctuary. Step into a world of natural beauty and tranquility as you embark on a journey through lush gardens and verdant greenhouse. Wander through the labyrinth and take leisurely strolls across the sprawling grounds of this cherished local gem. Experience the harmony of nature and humanity in perfect union at Meetinghouse Farm. Parking: small gravel road/cul de sac on property, or parking at Fire Station and walking over. Open for Tours: July 6, 7, 13, & 14. The proceeds from the garden tour will benefit Whelden Memorial Library. Rain or Shine. Admission: $5. Pay cash at the door. 

  • Saturday, June 10, 5:00 pm Eastern – Hallelujah Hydrangeas! Sneak Peek at the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, Online

    Join C.L. Fornari on Zoom on June 10 at 5 pm for a celebration of Hydrangeas and a sneak preview of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. Hear about some new varieties of Hydrangeas and tips for growing the best plants. Learn about some of the gardens that will be on tour in July. This webinar will give you an insider look at the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. Registration required. Click HERE.

  • Friday, June 24, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Chatham Garden Tour

    Four gardens will be open for viewing in Chatham on Friday, June 24 from 10 – 4 as part of the Hydrangea Festival. The proceeds from the garden tours will benefit Chatham Garden Club. Admission is $5 per garden tour. RAIN or SHINE.

    Garden#1 Horticulturist’s Hydrangeas
    Explore this naturalistic garden designed by the owner, a former art teacher, horticulturist and landscape designer. Register at the front table near Trident and Paper Bark Maple trees and you will receive a map of the garden highlighting unusual trees, shrubs and a variety of hydrangeas. Enter the garden through an arch made from fastigiate apple trees to view a rare Pekin lilac tree, stewartia pseudocamellia and other plants of interest. Varieties of our native Hydrangea quercifolia and many other paniculata and macrophylla hydrangeas are planted throughout the garden.

    Garden#2  Grandmother’s Perennials
    “My garden has been planted and maintained by me with an emphasis on pink, white, blue and green colors. My grandmother’s peonies have been transplanted 3 times with loving care. The hydrangeas in the back perimeter are volunteer clippings I have nurtured which flow into my neighbor’s property naturally. Behind our house, the path leads toward Ridgevale Beach lined with my perennials which bloom from late spring through early December. Most of my plants have been divided and replanted several times resulting in what you see today.”

    Garden#3  Water Spout
    “In 1995, faced with  a choice of filling my yard with $7000 worth of sand or making a pond, I created this decorative water spout surrounded by hydrangeas and roses. A gazebo, as requested by my wife, is on the north and a walking path on the east border of the property. In the back is a beautiful perennial garden sloping toward the house with seasoned trees and shrubs around the yard.”

    Garden#4  Not Just Cape Cod Art
    Nikko Blue, Mophead Mathilda Gutges, Endless Summer hydrangeas along with lavender and various perennials grace the front gardens. Knockout roses and perennials lead to a white arbor covered with Zephirine Drouhinand roses and Clematis. Stop and relax by the fish pond shaded by a Japanese Maple surrounded by peonies, Strawberries & Cream, and Climbing hydrangeas with a secret room hidden from view by Fairy Roses. The owner will be painting pictures of hydrangeas in her garden during the tour.

    For complete information visit www.chathamgardenclub.org.