What is better for a gardener’s soul than a warm, sunny Saturday out in the garden for early spring clean up? The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Directory of course!  Mine arrived this past weekend and I immediately dropped my Felco’s and rake sat down to explore the gardens I want to visit on June 26. It’s a tough one to think abut now I know. For those of us who are passionate about gardening but who also work during the week, right now while the days are warming it’s hard to fathom leaving your own garden on a Saturday …. but I think by June I’ll be OK with it…. I hope!

Especially since I won’t have to travel very far afield: the Upper Valley is a featured area this year, with open gardens in Hanover, Hartland, Quechee and Windsor on the tour. The Open Days gardens are always chosen for their unique qualities and offer visitors the best of American regional gardens.  Some of the gardens are designed by landscape designers and architects, and others are the work of passionate and talented amateurs.

Check out the Garden Conservancy website for more information and to request a copy of the Open Days Directory if you want to plan your visits now.  Closer to the Open Days dates some gardens will be listed online.

I always come away inspired by these gardens, and bring with me ideas for a project or two to try in my own garden – or maybe ten projects if you ask my husband or co-workers at Chippers!