Bellamy-Ferriday House in Bethlehem to host garden talks, tours and events in June

Whether you are an avid knitter, gardening enthusiast, or nature-lover, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, a Connecticut Landmarks museum, is the perfect place to spend the day this June. From celebrating International Knit-in-Public Day and Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day, to participating in a garden talk on invasives or planting your own zinnia seed, stop and smell the historic roses during special garden programs at the museum. After exploring the grounds, be sure to tour the summer home of Caroline Ferriday, a 20th-century philanthropist who championed human rights and social justice causes.

In 1915, Eliza Ferriday established a formal parterre garden on the house’s west side. Over a 70-year period, Eliza and her daughter, Caroline Ferriday, created a garden showcasing their love of roses, lilacs and peonies. Through the break in the hemlock hedge, visitors enter the garden that the women designed. Blossoming from the end of May–June, the garden’s rose collection includes Gallicas, Albas, Centifolias, Moss and Damask Roses, as well as several Rugosas. Eliza and Caroline Ferriday also collected fifteen different varieties of lilacs, which bloom mid-May–Memorial Day. Visit the museum each Spring while the lilacs bloom for the annual Lilac Walks.

On Saturday, June 14 from 12 noon–3 pm, join museum staff to celebrate International Knit-in-Public Day. Caroline and Eliza Ferriday were knitters, sewists and interested in the fiber arts. Celebrate your love of yarn at the Ferriday home by bringing your project, a comfortable folding chair or blanket, and enjoying the beautiful grounds. Meet fellow knitters and share your projects and techniques. Grounds fees will be waived for those who have knitting projects with them and house tours will be available for regular admission.

On Thursday, June 19 from 2 pm–3 pm, join Todd Mervosh, noted expert on invasive plants in the region, for a discussion of how to identify, remove, and prevent invasive plant species in your garden. Following the talk, a guided tour will lead participants through the garden. Light refreshments will be served and house tours will be available for regular admission. Registration required.

Since 2004, Connecticut’s Historic Gardens has organized Historic Gardens Day on the fourth Sunday in June. On Historic Gardens Day, sixteen historic gardens around the state welcome visitors to explore a variety of beautiful garden styles from different periods. This year, the event will be held on Sunday, June 22 from 12 noon–4 pm. Enjoy free admission to visit the gardens of three participating Connecticut Landmarks sites, including the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. Connecticut Landmarks’ other participating sites include the Butler-McCook House & Garden in Hartford and the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden in Suffield. Discover all sixteen locations at here.

In an age where rapid modernization often overshadows historical landscapes, the preservation of historic gardens like the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden stands as a vital testament to cultural heritage, botanical artistry, and community connection. The garden is more than just a collection of plants; it is a living narrative that encapsulates the passion, artistry, and dedication of two remarkable women.

The Bellamy-Ferriday Garden serves as a vital historical archive, offering insight into early 20th-century horticultural practices and aesthetic values. The formal parterre garden, with its meticulously designed layout, reflects the design principles and plant selections popularized during that era. By maintaining this garden, the organization ensures that future generations can experience and learn from the historical significance it embodies. For instance, the introduction of French lilacs speaks to Caroline’s admiration for French culture, merging personal narrative with horticultural practice.

This tranquil space encourages community engagement through events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. The garden acts as a communal gathering place where visitors can learn about horticulture, participate in conservation efforts, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature. The collection of roses and lilacs also play a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity. By nurturing these plants, the organization protects not only the beauty of the garden but the ecological health of the region.

The care of this resource is possible thanks to staff and volunteer support, who work to maintain the garden to honor the legacy of Eliza and Caroline Ferriday. You can help plant the seeds for the future of the garden with the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden’s special zinnia seed campaign. Sponsor a zinnia seed for $10 and a garden stake with your name will be placed next to the spot where the seed is planted. Your sponsorship comes with a garden pass to return to see the plants in bloom. Those who sponsor a seed while visiting the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will have the opportunity to plant the seed themselves. Those who sponsor a seed online will be shown where their seed was planted on their next visit to the garden. All proceeds support garden restoration at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. This program has generously been sponsored by Ace Hardware of Bethlehem. Sponsor a zinnia seed at here.

Discover more about the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden and register for events at here

Click here for the latest news in Bethlehem
Click here for the latest news in Litchfield County

Connecticut souvenirs, Connecticut tee shirts, connecticut apparel • Finding Connecticut — shop.findingconnecticut.com

Don’t Miss

• Help Wanted: Accounts receivable professional needed at GEWA Music USA in New Hartford
• The Price is Right Live™ is coming to Torrington in October
• Psychic medium Matt Fraser to appear at Warner Theatre in August

•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Connecticut Merch

If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.

Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall

We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.

Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping

Farmington Polo Club

The Farmington Polo Club is set to offer a vibrant lineup of events this June, blending competitive polo with festive themes and family-friendly activities.

June 14, 2025 – Boston vs Farmington
June 21, 2025 – Aloah Summer Kick-Off Party
June 28, 2025 – Cowgirl Cup

Click here to purchase tickets

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods Resort Casino announces May Entertainment Lineup

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Bellamy-Ferriday House in Bethlehem to host garden talks, tours and events in June