We’re always on the hunt for inspiration, indoors and out, so we’re marking up our calendar with these upcoming don’t-miss garden events for Spring 2025.

PLANT SALES

24th Annual Friends of Hammonasset Plant Sale, 5/8 – 6/1, Thursdays – Sundays, 9am – 5pm, Madison: Located at Hammonasset Beach State Park entrance on Route 1, Shop for hanging baskets, perennials, 4” annuals, flats of bedding plants and vegetables. Proceeds benefit work with the Meigs Point Nature Center and other projects at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Duck River Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, 5/10, 12pm – 6pm & 5/11, 9am – 1pm, Old Lyme: At the Old Lyme Shopping Center, find native pollinators, hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs at this highly anticipated annual sale.

The Garden Club of Madison’s Annual Plant Sale, 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.

OLD SAYBROOK GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE, 5/17, 9am – 5pm, Main Street, Old Saybrook: Dedicated garden club members plan months for this extraordinary day that features famous member plants, grown-from-seed dwarf tomatoes, Profusion Zinnias, peppers and a great variety of annuals, herbs and vegetables.

Friends of Harkness Annual Plant Sale, 5/17, 9am – 1pm, 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, 6/7, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Mystic & Noank Public Library: Whether your garden is sunny or shaded, there will be a wide selection of plants available to suit your environment. Shop plants donated from the club’s members, and make sure to stop at the Gardener’s Boutique to find native plants. All proceeds are used to support the library.

The Common Good Garden is Open ~ and they love Volunteers! Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays, Old Saybrook: Volunteer with Common Goods Gardens and help provide produce to Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. Common Good Gardens has been working since 2002 to provide naturally grown produce and collaborate with local farm stands to collect their surplus and minimize food waste. 

GARDEN TOURS AND EVENTS

Bishop Orchards Apple Blossom Festival, 5/10, 10am – 4pm, Guilford: Join Bishops for their first annual Apple Blossom Festival where they will celebrate the start of their growing season, set against the stunning backdrop of their apple orchard in full bloom. Families and children are invited to enjoy a day of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and springtime festivities, all while embracing the beauty of nature.

Trade Secrets, Garden Tours & Community Events, 5/17 and Trade Secrets Rare Plants and Garden Antiques Sale, Sunday, 5/18 at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT. Both events rain or shine. Tickets sell fast! $20

GUILFORD HOUSE TOUR, 5/31, Guilford: Enjoy local history, architecture, community and the beautiful town of Guilford at the Guilford House Tour this spring! Proceeds benefit the Guilford Keeping Society. $40+

21st Annual CT Open House Day 2025, 6/14, throughout CT. Now it its 21^st year, Connecticut Open House Day is a cherished tradition occurring on the second Saturday of June. With over 200 sites across the Nutmeg state throwing their doors open to the public, this event, orchestrated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, highlights the diverse tapestry of history, art, culture, and natural wonders that Connecticut has to offer.

CT Historic Gardens Day at Harkness Memorial State Park, 6/22, 10am – 2pm, Explore the Harkness Garden, Mansion, and Eolia Estate to celebrate CTHG! Bring a picnic and after your tours enjoy the spectacular views of Long Island Sound from the sweeping Great Lawn. All proceeds from Mansion tours and Gift Shop sales support Friends’ programs at the Park.

Old Saybrook Historical Society House & Gallery Exhibit Tour, Opening 6/28 from 1-3pm, The 2025 House & Exhibit Gallery Tour will soon open for the summer season, offering group or special appointment tours. For group or special appointment tours, please call 860-395-1635 or email contact@saybrookhistory.org with your tour request details. $5-$10

Newport Secret Gardens, 6/27 – 6/29, 10am – 4pm Tour the private gardens of some of historic Newport’s most prestigious properties, to benefit the public schools of Rhode Island. 

Hollister House Garden Summer Events, Throughout the Summer, Washington, CT: Join 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.

Wine and Design with Best Buds, Throughout the Spring and Summer, Old Lyme: Tour the Best Bud’s field, harvest your favorite flowers and arrange them while enjoying complimentary  wine, seltzer and a homemade dessert. Connect with the awesome flowers and go home with a gorgeous vase arrangement.

GARDEN CONVERVANCY’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, view the list of all gardens to see each event’s time. $10

GALAS

Goodspeed Gala, 5/17 3pm, Smith’s Farm, East Haddam:  This year the Goodspeed is honoring animal trainer Bill Berloni for his contributions to Musical Theatre, Television and film, and his life-long dedication to the safety and protection of animals in the arts. Enjoy a silent auction and entertainment hosted & curated by Seth Rudetsky. $500+

CT River Museum’s Riverfare, 5/29, 6pm – 9pm, Essex: Delight in an evening of delicious food, wines, cocktails, music, luxury-filled silent auction and more while enjoying the beautiful river views from the Museum’s front lawn. Local restaurants and caterers provide delectable samples of their culinary talents. Enjoy tastings from wineries and breweries of the Connecticut River Valley. $80+

art in motion at The Lyman Allyn, 5/31, 6-9pm, New London: Community, connection, and camaraderie take centerstage at Lyman Allyn’s Art in Motion spring gala. The Museum will transform into a lively hub of nightlife and art. Sip signature cocktails, savor delicious small plates, dance to lively tunes, and engage in exciting online bidding—all while experiencing the magic of the Museum’s dynamic spaces. Funds raised will support museum operations and educational programs. $150+

HIGH HOPES SUMMER SOIRÉE, 6/7, 5pm – 11pm, Old Lyme: Get ready for an unforgettable night of philanthropy, mingling, dinner, unique auction offerings, and dancing to the electrifying sound of Sugar. Have a blast and do good at High Hope’s largest annual fundraiser. $225+

Annual Garden Luncheon at the Flo Gris Museum, 6/13, 10 – 3pm, Old Lyme: The Museum’s annual Garden Luncheon is one of their most joyful and beloved events, join the fun in welcoming spring with flowers, food, and fancy hats! Tickets on sale soon.