hidden street sea Gardens By The Sea, a walking tour of 10 private gardens in the village of Stonington, Connecticut takes place Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. Hosted every three years by The Stonington Garden Club, this popular event continues to attract thousands of visitors throughout New England.
Surrounded by salt water on three sides, Stonington’s charm began with settlement in the 18th century. Gardens By The Sea Tour will be open to the public each day from 10 to 4 pm, rain or shine. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $25 or $30 the day of the tour. A stamped, self-addressed envelope and check can be mailed to Stonington Garden Club, PO Box 385, Stonington, CT 06378.
Additional information is available at www.stonington-gardenclub.org or 860-531-TOUR.
Aside from its seaside location, Stonington’s stately homes, unique shops and restaurants add to the charm. The 2011 tour will offer a rare glimpse of 10 secret gardens behind the walls and gates of the borough’s historic properties. Visitors will enjoy seeing a variety of gardens, from formal perennial gardens to casual rock gardens, flowering borders framing seaside vistas.
The tour begins with an elegant garden that captures attention with its pink roses peeping through the white fence. A cherry tree graces the corner of a brick path, which leads to a newly renovated garden, planned by the owner to create a quiet sanctuary. Lush mixed borders of perennials, shrubs, bulbs and annuals frame the central axis of lawn. Yew and privet hedges offer privacy while a Rosa American Pillar artfully climbs on the garage roof. Hostas and ferns thrive under the shade of a mature Cryptomeria.
Further down the street is a sunny front garden with ivies and sedums, highlighted by a mature Tamarisk tree, lavender, roses and cerastium. Behind the fence, Annabelle and Lace Cap hydrangea add color while peonies, heuchera, iris and wisteria create a peaceful retreat for conversation and dining. Visitors can also step inside the owner’s art studio to view this hidden garden, as well as paintings and party space.
To the left of a nearby townhouse, metal gates lead visitors to a waterside oasis where garden décor and sculptures abound. This well designed multi-level garden features a thirty-year-old rose bed, a unique outdoor fireplace, patio and pergola. A grassy path, edged with Rugosa roses, lavender and native grasses, leads to the decked seating area at waters edge.
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