Join Dan Furman, co-owner of Cricket Hill Garden, a second generation specialty nursery and forest farm in Thomaston, CT, as he explores the World of Peonies. Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in New England gardens and in this illustrated talk Dan will offer tips on planting, cultivating and propagating this springtime showstopper. You will hear about the different types of peonies (tree, herbaceous and intersectional) and get ideas about how to use peonies in the landscape.

At the conclusion of this talk there will be an opportunity to purchase containerized peonies suitable for spring planting.

Hollister House Garden Members $25

Non-Members $35

Surround yourself with the beauty of small, ornamental trees. In this illustrated talk, Elisabeth Cary will teach us how this underutilized group of plants can play an important part in the four season garden offering flowers, fruit, foliage and structure. These small trees can have a role in the mixed border, as a focal point to brighten a dark corner or as a canopy to brighten a dark corner. Learn about the many species available for the zone 5 garden and explore how to select, site, and cultivate this great group of plants.

Elisabeth Cary, former Director of Education at Berkshire Botanical Garden has been gardening for over 30 years. She is currently developing Cooper Hill Farm, a micro flower farm in Sheffield, MA.

Hollister House Garden Members $25

Non-Members $35

Developments in ecology and environmental science over the last thirty years have revolutionized the way we think of using perennials in gardens and landscapes.. Whether it’s called “The Dutch Wave”, “The New Perennial Movement”, or something else, creative gardeners and designers have reinvigorated the use and appreciation of herbaceous plantings worldwide. The Highline in New York, the Lurie Garden in Chicago, the Olympic Park Gardens in London and other large recent projects are an inspiration and a stimulus, but how does the average gardener take these big ideas and translate them into a manageable home scale?

In this illustrated talk Robert Anderson will focus on practical techniques for creating and managing naturalistic plantings at a size that’s feasible for the home gardener, in terms of both labor and expense. Using part of his own garden as the example, he will share failures and successes in the development, over three seasons, of a wet meadow style planting. Robert will discuss site selection and preparation, plant material sources, choices and acquisition, installation tips, and seasonal care.

Robert Anderson is a garden designer, consultant and writer from Stuyvesant, NY where he maintains a two acre laboratory garden.

Hollister House Garden Members $25

Non-Members $35

Jenna O’Brien, founder and owner of Viridissima Horticulture and Design, uses containers in the landscape to enhance and extend seasonal beauty, produce food and help create an authentic sense of place. In this illustrated presentation  you will learn how Jenna carries out her container designs. Beginning with a discussion on functional and conceptual design she will talk about pot, plant and soil selection. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on demonstration and a lucky attendee will win the completed container.

Hollister House Garden members $25

Non-members $35

REGISTRATION

Learn how to accurately mix watercolors to create a floral color wheel and explore a variety of hues found in plants. A basic understanding of color theory will enhance your paintings in any medium.

All levels welcome.

The watercolor workshops at Hollister House Garden are taught by Betsy Rogers-Knox. Betsy received a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from NYBG in 2006. Her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Shoe in London where she was awarded the Silver Gilt Award.

Hollister House Garden members $50

Non-members $65

REGISTRATION

The estate of Robin Hill sits on 20 private acres in the beautiful Litchfield hills. Noted garden and landscape designer, Dan Pearson, has been recreating the gardens there in a naturalistic manner, making the visitor feel as if the surrounding wild countryside has encroached upon the house. The vast property includes terraces, a cutting garden, an orchard, a moss garden and meadows surrounded by native woodlands. Our tour leader will be James McGrath, head gardener ,who tends to Robin Hill.

Enjoy this unique opportunity to tour an extraordinary private garden not open to the public followed by lunch.

This event is limited to Hollister House Garden Circle of Friends members.It is complimentary to members at the Sponsor Level and above. Those members may call the office for reservations

All other membership levels $50 per person

Confirmed attendees will be sent details and directions via email

For 33 years Chris Giftos wowed the world with the fabulous flower arrangements he created for the great hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the magical settings he designed for the museums parties and special events. The great hall arrangements – spectacular on a grand scale – became so famous that people went to the museum just to see them. Chris believes  that flowers set the tone and should say “welcome – we’ve been expecting you”. In this illustrated talk and demonstration Chris will share wonderful stories of his time at the Met and of the interesting people he met along the way while showing us how to create beautiful arrangements on a simpler scale for our homes.

At the conclusion of this Barn Talk the arrangements Chris creates will be part of a raffle.

Hollister House Garden members $25

Non-members $35

This Barn Talk had to be rescheduled. A new fall date will be announced in June

On Wednesday mornings the garden will be open for plein air painters and photographers from 8AM-12PM. Come and be inspired by the beauty of the garden in the morning light.

Please fill out and submit this contact form before you come each week. When you arrive please park only in designated areas and remember we do ask for a $5 per person donation.

Please stay on the gravel paths and the lawn – no easels in the beds!

On the first Friday in June, July and August the garden will be open to visitors from 6-8 (in addition to our regular open hours).

As the light fades and day turns to evening enjoy the company of friends and the beauty of the garden. Come, have a glass of wine and delight in the intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and overflowing with exuberant plantings. A prefect start to a summer weekend.

Reservations are not required.

A $10 per person donation is requested (includes a glass of wine)

On Wednesday mornings the garden will be open for plein air painters and photographers from 8AM-12PM. Come and be inspired by the beauty of the garden in the morning light.

Please fill out and submit this contact form before you come each week. When you arrive please park only in designated areas and remember we do ask for a $5 per person donation.

Please stay on the gravel paths and the lawn – no easels in the beds!