This ever-changing living museum—New England’s premier wildflower garden—has more than 1500 native plant species and cultivars, with many rare and endangered native specimens throughout the gardens, as well as the unique “New England Garden of Rare and Endangered Plants.”

Hours

Open for season April 15–October 31

April 15–Labor Day: daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

September 2–October 31: daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

In late April, the woodlands sparkle with trout lilies (Erythronium americanum), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and rare Oconee bells (Shortia galacifolia). In mid-May hundreds of wildflowers burst into bloom, including wood phlox (Phlox divaricata), yellow lady-slippers (Cypripedium parviflorum), shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia), and trilliums. Carnivorous pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea), delicate Calopogon orchids and plum-leaved azaleas (Rhododendron prunifolium) appear as the days lengthen into summer, and the meadow blazes with wildflowers in brilliant hues. Blue gentians, violet asters and a dazzling display of foliage brighten the cooling days of fall.