New England is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the United States, but beyond the well-known public parks and tourist-heavy botanical gardens, there are hidden gems that few people know about. These secret gardens in New England are tucked away in forests, coastal retreats, and historic estates, offering a serene escape from the crowds
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a photographer, or someone who simply loves peaceful places, these hidden gardens provide a one-of-a-kind experience. Pair these peaceful stops with the backroads in Best Hidden Towns in New England. If you love quiet nature escapes, pair these gardens with the Best Waterfalls in New England.
Why Visit Secret Gardens?
While famous gardens like the Arnold Arboretum in Boston or Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are stunning, they often draw large crowds. Secret gardens, on the other hand, offer:
- A more intimate experience – Stroll through floral landscapes without the noise and tourist rush.
- Unique and rare plant collections – Some of these hidden gardens feature exotic species and rare native plants.
- Tranquil spots for reflection – These gardens are perfect for meditation, picnics, or simply enjoying nature.
Now, let’s explore the best secret gardens in New England!
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Best Secret Gardens in New England
1. Bedrock Gardens (New Hampshire) – A Blend of Nature and Art
- Location: Lee, NH
- Why It’s Special: A unique mix of horticulture, sculpture, and landscape design
Bedrock Gardens is not your typical flower garden—it’s an artistic wonderland where whimsical sculptures blend into the landscape. It features wildflower meadows, Japanese gardens, and hidden pathways leading to surprise art installations.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for full floral displays.
- What to Expect: Butterfly gardens, fountains, and unusual plant species. Make it a two-stop day with nearby routes from Best Waterfall Hikes in New England
2. Blanchette Gardens (Vermont) – A Woodland Retreat with Rare Plants
- Location: Hartland, VT
- Why It’s Special: A privately owned, lush woodland garden
Tucked away in Vermont’s scenic countryside, Blanchette Gardens is an underrated sanctuary with rare rhododendrons, azaleas, and ferns growing in a peaceful forest setting.
- What to Expect: A tranquil woodland walk lined with flowers.
- Best Feature: A hidden reflecting pond surrounded by mountain laurels.
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- Location: Tyringham, MA
- Why It’s Special: A breathtaking garden inspired by European landscapes
Ashintully Gardens is a historic retreat with stone staircases, water fountains, and lush flower beds, giving it the feel of a European castle garden.
- What to Expect: Scenic trails, marble structures, and formal gardens.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall, when the changing leaves add a golden backdrop. On the same Berkshire run, chase cascades from Hidden Waterfalls in New England
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4. Hollister House Garden (Connecticut) – A Classic English Garden in New England
- Location: Washington, CT
- Why It’s Special: A hidden English garden in the Connecticut countryside
This privately owned garden feels straight out of a Jane Austen novel, featuring structured hedges, cascading roses, and colorful perennials.
- Best Feature: Winding stone pathways leading to quiet seating areas.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid to late summer, when the roses are in full bloom.
5. Celia Thaxter’s Island Garden (Maine) – A Floral Oasis on a Remote Island
- Location: Appledore Island, ME
- Why It’s Special: A secluded island garden with ocean views
Located on an island off the coast of Maine, this historic flower garden was once tended by poet Celia Thaxter. Today, it remains one of the most remote and stunning gardens in New England.
- Best Feature: A boat-access-only experience with a breathtaking coastal backdrop.
- Best Time to Visit: July and August, when the island flowers are in full bloom.
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Lesser-Known Botanical Sanctuaries
Garden in the Woods (Massachusetts) – A Native Plant Lover’s Dream
- Location: Framingham, MA
- Why It’s Special: A hidden woodland sanctuary filled with native plants.
- Best Feature: Rare wildflowers like pink lady’s slipper orchids.
- Location: North Hampton, NH
- Why It’s Special: A formal rose garden near the ocean.
- Best Feature: Over 2,000 roses blooming in spring and summer.
Maine Coastal Botanical Labyrinth – A Secret Garden with Ocean Views
- Location: Near Boothbay, ME
- Why It’s Special: A maze-like garden with hidden paths.
Green Animals Topiary Garden (Rhode Island) – A Whimsical Secret Garden
- Location: Portsmouth, RI
- Why It’s Special: A magical garden with animal-shaped topiaries.
Naumkeag Gardens (Massachusetts) – A Historic Estate with Breathtaking Landscapes
- Location: Stockbridge, MA
- Why It’s Special: A grand historic garden with mountain views.
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How to Find Secret Gardens
- Ask locals and garden clubs for hidden spots.
- Look for historic estates with private gardens.
- Explore small botanical conservatories instead of large parks.
Conclusion
Secret gardens offer a peaceful retreat from everyday life, providing a connection with nature in a more personal, undisturbed setting. Whether it’s a coastal garden with ocean breezes, a woodland retreat, or a historic estate garden, exploring these hidden gems is a rewarding experience.
So grab your camera, take a slow walk, and enjoy the beauty of New England’s secret gardens!
Frequently Asked Questions: Secret Gardens in New England
General Questions About Secret Gardens in New England
Secret gardens offer quiet, uncrowded spaces filled with natural beauty. Many are tucked away on private estates, islands, and forests, giving visitors a peaceful and intimate experience.
Most are open to visitors during specific seasons, though some require tickets or advance reservations. A few are privately owned but host open days or guided tours.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine have some of the most notable secret gardens, but every New England state has hidden floral sanctuaries worth exploring.
Planning Your Visit
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Flowers bloom from May to October, with peak colors in June, July, and September. Some gardens are also stunning during fall foliage.
Entry varies. Some gardens are free, while others require admission fees or donations to support maintenance and preservation.
For island gardens and private estates, yes. For woodland sanctuaries and smaller conservatories, walk-ins are usually fine. Always check the garden’s website before planning your trip.
Garden Features & What to Expect
Expect a mix of native plants, rare species, wildflowers, roses, ferns, Japanese maples, and seasonal blooms. Some gardens focus on sculpture and art elements, while others highlight woodland plants.
Absolutely. Many locations offer scenic backdrops, quiet walking paths, and natural light that’s perfect for photography.
Most gardens are family-friendly, though some quiet locations are better suited to older children who enjoy nature walks.
Local garden clubs, small-town museums, and historical societies are excellent resources. Many towns also host seasonal garden tours that highlight private or little-known gardens.
Water, comfortable shoes, a light jacket, a camera, and insect repellent. Some gardens are remote or located in woodlands.
Most visits last one to two hours, depending on the size of the garden. Island gardens or large historic estates may take half a day.
New England Garden Destinations
Bedrock Gardens (NH), Ashintully Gardens (MA), Hollister House Garden (CT), and Celia Thaxter’s Island Garden (ME) are excellent starting points.
Celia Thaxter’s Island Garden in Maine and the Maine Coastal Botanical Labyrinth both offer ocean scenery and secluded paths.
Yes. Naumkeag Gardens in Massachusetts and Green Animals Topiary Garden in Rhode Island are two of the most iconic historic secret gardens in the region.
