Bright and early on Monday, June 14th, Rhoda and I made out stop in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the heart of the Berkshires, to visit the Berkshire Botanical Garden.
Established in 1934 by the Lenox Garden Club on a parcel of land donated by Bernhard and Irene Hoffman, the Garden has grown and prospered for over 80-years due to the generosity of local supporters and seasonal visitors. Encompassing 24 acres of land, the Berkshire Botanical Garden features 26 beautiful themed display gardens with indigenous plants that thrive in the Berkshires’ climate.
The Children’s Discovery Garden offers children of all ages to get their hands dirty and wet while exercising their imaginations and learning about food crops and flowers. Local artist Allen Timmon designed the colorful playhouse structure.
The Martha Steward Cottage Garden is an exuberant garden area that incorporates heirloom and modern flowers and vegetables; planted in the English cottage garden tradition. Topped with a succulent-covered roof, the shed, anchored in the center, is absolutely charming.
My visit included a walk through several other gardens, including the Rose Garden, which contains hundreds of shrub roses, the Hosta Garden, the American Daylily Society Display, and a stop to take in the imposing Tree of Forty Fruit.
The day of my visit was overcast and grey, but the rain stayed away during my 2-hour visit. Time spent walking the grounds evoked serenity and a deep sense of calm throughout this lovely little corner of Western Massachusetts.
To learn more and schedule your visit for 2022, visit Berkshire Botanical.
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