I find spending time in fields of flowers a gloriously peaceful thing, so visiting them is something that I do often. It is even more charming when the field is made of one kind of flower. I have chased flowers around the world, but there are many great fields right here around New England. Here are a list of a few of my favorites and when to see them. Flowers bloom at different times each year, so be sure to check with the farms before you visit.
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Flower-Chasing Around Connecticut
Buttonwood Farms Sunflowers, Griswold, Connecticut
473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT
Walk through 14 acres of sunflowers while supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. All proceeds from their cut flowers go the foundation which provides experiences for children with serious conditions.
What to Expect at Buttonwood Farms
Since this event only lasts a week or so, expect huge crowds and lines. In spite of this, it is a wonderful event and worth attending.
The longest line is for the train ride around the fields. I bypass the line by just walking in. Along the back fence you can see the cows who feast on the sunflower fields at the season’s end.
The line for the on-property ice cream shop is also long- it usually takes at least an hour. But it is really good and they have sunflower ice cream!
When to Visit Buttonwood Farms
Sunflowers symbolism loyalty, happiness and long-life.
The ice cream shop is open for the summer, but the field is open for a week in July. Check their website for the exact dates.
Lavender Pond Farm, Killingworth, Connecticut
318 Roast Meat Hill Rd, Killingworth, CT
What to Expect at Lavender Pond Farm
When I visited two years ago there was less going on and it wasn’t too busy. Entrance is still free. There are still 30 beds of lavender, many varieties, a pond and a store with lavender products, such as soaps and lemonade. Now there is also an educational train ride and a restaurant.
When to visit Lavender Pond Farm
Lavender is associated with calmness, health and grace.
Flowers usually bloom during June and July. Visit the Lavender Pond Farm website for specifics.
Flower-Chasing Around Rhode Island
Daffodil Days at the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island
101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI
It was raining the day we went, but the daffodils were still beautiful! Daffodils symbolize spring.
Blithewold means “happy woodland”. The Arts and Crafts house is worth visiting any time of year, but the sprawling woodlands and gardens on the waters of the Narragansett Bay are sublime.
What to Expect at Blithewold Gardens
Unstructured fields of white and yellow daffodils bloom within an expansive wooded area directly off the house’s porch.
When to Visit Blithewold Gardens
It is also worth visiting Blithewold’s gardens in the summer when you will see the gardens in bloom with summer flowers.
The daffodils generally bloom for a month, starting around the beginning of April. Blithewold holds afternoon high teas during April and May on Tuesdays through Friday. It is worth booking a tea when the daffodils are in bloom. Make your tea reservation here. Read more about my visits to Blithewold.
Hamilton Harbor Lotus Flowers, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
40 Web Avenue, North Kingstown, RI
This is the most random of the flower fields that I have found. In 1982, the founders of the condo complex planted a lotus garden to make the property unique. Lotus Flowers are native to Asian and Australia, but the talented and industrious landscapers realized that this water diversion pond left over from 19th century mills would support them. Once they are growing, these flowers can grow for over a thousand years. Read more about the pond’s history.
Lotus flowers are a symbol of divine immortality, perfection and enlightenment.
What to expect at North Kingstown’s Lotus Pond
You won’t notice the pond from the road. The only sign may be cars of the lotus seekers right after the entrance to the condominium complex. The pond isn’t too big, sort of an oasis in the middle of an otherwise-normal street. The flowers are the most open between 9-12 in the morning. They bloom around July. The garden is not monitored and there may be poison ivy. Please be respectful and don’t harm or pick the flowers so this jewel may be enjoyed for generations to come.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farms, Johnston, Rhode Island
90 Brown Ave, Johnston, RI
With 5 acres of tulips, this is New England’s largest tulip farm set on a lake in the farmland of Johnston.
What to Expect at Wicked Tulips
There are two fields of many rows of tulips– a show field and a picking field. Entrance routinely sells out, so expect crowds. They love you to share and take pictures, but you need to be patient to get one without people in it. There are picnic tables on which to enjoy lunch. I have seen people here with chairs who set up and enjoy an afternoon on the water. You are allowed to pick from the picking field and pay per stem on your way out. They have a wrapping station and sell vases.
When to Visit Wicked Tulips
Wicked Tulips opens when the tulips bloom, usually around the end of April or the beginning of May, and close when they are done blooming or all the flowers are picked. Join their newsletter to get notified when they open. I highly suggest buying tickets before you go. They are often sold-out weeks in advance. It is less crowded during the week.
Lupines in New Hampshire
Lupines by Matthew Dailey on Flickr. Does it take much imagination to know that lupines are named after wolves?
I have not been to see the lupines in New Hampshire, but it is high on my bucket list. I want to go and chase these pink, purple and white flowers. Check out this guide for more details on how to chase lupines.
Have you see any other amazing flower fields in New England? Let me know in the comments.
Happy flower-chasing! For more information about travelling in New England check out my Local’s Guide to New England and subscribe to get new posts in your inbox.
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