From plant sales and garden tours to elegant galas and outdoor celebrations, these spring events are packed with beauty, inspiration, and fun.

FOR PLANT LOVERS

Hammonasset Plant Sale from 5/7/26 – 5/31/26 in Madison: Select from premium hanging baskets, perennials, and flats of bedding plants and veggies. Proceeds support FOH projects at the Meigs Point Nature Center. Sale location is .3 miles east of the main entrance to Hammonasset Beach State Park on Route 1.

Duck River Garden Club Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale from 5/8/26 – 5/9/26 at Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme: Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with blooms and baskets. Shop for annuals, herbs, pollinator plants, hanging baskets, and garden treasures, all supporting local community programs.

Essex Garden Club May Market Plant Sale on 5/9/26 at the Essex Town Green in Essex: Browse perennials, herbs, shrubs, fresh-cut flowers, plus garden gifts, jewelry, and gently-used treasures.

Westbrook Garden Club May Market Plant Sale on 5/9/26 at Westbrook Town Hall in Westbrook: Flowers, food, and fun!  Offerings include annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets and more at this Annual May Market.

!!! STOP No info online about date yet The Garden Club of Madison’s Annual Plant Sale on 5/17, 9am – 1pm, Madison: Held at the Deacon John Grave House, 581 Boston Post Road, on the Saturday after Mother’s Day (rain or shine). Profits will benefit the Garden Club of Madison’s Community Beautification Projects. Choose from a wide selection of herbs, flora, shrubs, and local perennials. FILLED OUT CONTACT FORM TO INQUIRE on 4/26/26, no reply yet.

Old Saybrook Garden Club Annual Plant Sale  on 5/16/26 on Main Street in Old Saybrook: Brighten your garden with a vibrant plant sale filled with beautiful flowers and fresh finds. Whether you’re seasoned or just starting out, there’s something special waiting to grow.

Friends of Harkness Annual Plant Sale on 5/16/26 at Harkness in Waterford: The Annual Plant Sale will be held in the Carriage House Courtyard featuring plants from the Plant Group, Heliotrope, Camp Harkness and Harkness gardens.

Mystic Garden Club Plant Sale on 6/6/26 at Mystic & Noank Public Library: A gardener’s favorite tradition! Shop member-grown plants, native varieties, and boutique finds at this annual sale with beautiful selections for sunny gardens, shady spaces, and everything in between.

FOR GARDEN DAY TRIPPERS

Chester Historic Homes Tour by Chester Historical Society on 5/9/26 in Chester: Curious to peek inside seven of Chester’s historic homes? They are within walking distance of designated free parking lots and Chester Village. Enjoy exploring, dining and shopping on Mother’s Day weekend. Buy advance discounted tickets now for Homes Tour! $35+

Rare Plant and Garden Antiques Sale on 5/17/26 at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville: Garden lovers, don’t miss it! Shop rare plants, antiques, décor, and books, meet celebrated authors, grab refreshments, and spend a beautiful day surrounded by inspiration, rain or shine. $25+

Guilford House Tour by Guilford Keeping Society on 5/30/26 at Various locations in Guilford: Step inside Guilford’s charm. The beloved Guilford House Tour returns with a self-guided stroll through stunning and historic homes near the Green. Discover architecture, history, and beautiful spaces you rarely get to see. $40

22nd Annual Connecticut Open House Day on 6/13/26 throughout CT: Discover Connecticut at this cherished annual tradition. Enjoy free or reduced admission to museums, galleries, attractions, and family favorites, perfect for exploring new places close to home. 2026 information will be published on their website soon.

Connecticut Historic Gardens Day on 6/28/26 at Various locations in Connecticut: Explore 14 stunning historic gardens with special events, seasonal blooms, and activities statewide, visit your local favorites or make a beautiful day trip. Activities for 2026 will be posted on their website soon.

Old Saybrook Historical Society Hart House & Gallery Exhibit Tour opening 5/23/26 through 9/6/26 in Old Saybrook:  Step inside local history at the General William Hart House. Explore one of Saybrook’s earliest homes, rich with Revolutionary stories, elegant architecture, and centuries of shoreline heritage. $5-$10

Newport Secret Gardens from 6/26/26 – 6/28/26 in Newport, RI: Tour the private gardens of some of historic Newport’s most prestigious properties, to benefit the public schools of Rhode Island. $35+

Hollister House Garden Summer Events throughout the Summer, Washington, CT: Head to Hollister House Garden for a variety of events and workshops exploring the fundamentals of gardening, landscaping, and featured artists and florists. Dates, times, and reservation prices all vary by event, so be sure to check out their full list of offerings this season.

Arranging Peonies Workshop on 5/26/26 at Best Buds Flower Farm, Lyme: Peony lovers, this one’s for you. Join Joanie in the flower field for blooms, harvesting tips, vase arranging, complimentary wine or seltzer, and a sweet homemade treat. $75

Garden Conservancy’s Open Days, Various dates throughout CT: Enjoy guest lectures, workshops, and open gardens around CT throughout the spring and summer. Choose from tours of over 15 participating gardens, Check the full schedule for participating gardens and event times. $10

FOR A GLAM NIGHT OUT

Spring Soiree on 5/16/26 at the Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme: Welcome this long awaited season! The Lyme Art Association’s Spring Soirée features live jazz, delicious cuisine, artful auction prizes, and a joyful evening supporting one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations. $85

Is it Real or is it Fake Gala on 5/16/26 at Hillstead Museum, Farmington: Step into a glamorous night of artful illusion! Cocktails, dinner, and spirited bidding make this an unforgettable gala where masterpieces reappear, authenticity is in question, and elegance meets intrigue. $600

RiverFare 2026 on 5/28/26 at Connecticut River Museum, Essex: Raise a glass at RiverFare 2026. Savor delicious bites, cocktails, local tastings, live jazz, and auction excitement on the Connecticut River Museum lawn, all supporting exhibits, education, and preservation. $85+

Re/Framed Gala on 5/30/26 at Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London: Celebrate art after dark! This spring gala transforms the Museum into a vibrant night of cocktails, small plates, music, and bidding, where history meets fresh creativity and contemporary inspiration. $150+

Goodspeed Gala on 5/30/26 at the New Haven Lawn Club, New Haven:  A dazzling night awaits. Celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber at this unforgettable gala featuring cocktails, dinner, auction excitement, and special performances of his most beloved musical hits. Black Tie Optional. $850+

Pieper Olson Foundation Gala on 6/5/26 at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook: Spend an inspiring evening of hope and healing supporting families and their pets. Fine dining, auctions, and heartfelt purpose come together for a meaningful evening. $225+

Bella Notte on 6/6/26 at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme: Save the date for a spectacular fundraiser featuring dining, auctions, and high-energy dancing to Sugar. Support High Hopes Therapeutic Riding and help create a future filled with hope and impact. Tickets and more details coming soon.

Annual Garden Luncheon on 6/12/26 at the Flo Gris, Old Lyme: Honor the season with a Garden Luncheon featuring flowers, delicious food, fancy hats, and a special garden lecture, all supporting the stewardship of historic gardens and riverside grounds. Tickets go on sale soon.