Maywood Gardens is a 25-acre (100,000 m 2 ) private estate at Bridgewater, Connecticut in the southern corner of Litchfield County, and encompassing traditional architecture and numerous traditional gardens throughout the grounds and its sweeping vistas of the Berkshire foothills. The 1,000-acre estate is one of the most outstanding examples of a privately owned garden in New England, and visitors are granted with an uncommon perspective of what quality horticulture can be through its public tour every year.

What Makes Maywood Gardens Special?

The gardens immediately surrounding the main residence are formally structured, and lead out to more naturalized gardens and woodland trails. What sets Maywood apart from other Connecticut estates is its seamless integration of beauty and functionality. Various production gardens are integrated into the forty-acre landscape, providing fresh cut flowers, vegetables, and field crops which are available for sale at the Bridgewater Village Store.

The Greenhouse Complex: Heart of Maywood

The property has a greenhouse with 4,000 sq ft that is the center of the entire operation. At the center of Maywood is the Greenhouse Complex whereby the seasonal plants grown there are exhibited in the gardens and all over the estate. It is a magnificent building which has an unbelievable range of plants all year round versatile spring bedding plants to winter displays with poinsettias and cyclamens.

The green house grows the decorations to the bedding gardens that wrap the length of the entire greenhouse and annuals to accent containers around the house. This all round strategy sees to it that, all areas of the estate are always looking beautiful as far as the growing period is concerned.

The Annual Open Garden Tour: Your Chance to Visit

Although Maywood is a privately owned house, and not usually open to the general public, Maywood is open to the Annual Garden Tour. It is an exclusive event which is the first and last time the people will get a chance to see this horticultural masterpiece with their own eyes.

Tour Information and Time

The tour is a donation to National Garden Conservancy which is open to the public. This special event is done annually at different times of the year depending on the year, usually during the peak growing season though when the gardens peak in their greatness. The property is open on the annual basis between 10AM and 2PM.

Notice to Visitors

We recommend you learn the fact that the place is not handicap accessible before the visit. The natural features of the estate as well as the historic design of the place are highly made with the authenticity rather than the modern attraction facilities, which should be noticed by the readers in the planning of the visit.

Garden Features and Attractions

Formal Gardens and Landscape Design

The property displays several different garden sections that have a specific purpose and design. There is a ledge garden on an exposed hillside, heather bed, an herb garden and ornamental kitchen garden. These divergent spaces show the range of horticultural knowledge that that was retained at Maywood.

Annual beds, two seeped basins enclosing espaliered apple trees and one ornamental kitchen garden, surround the greenhouse. The espaliered apples trees are a form of traditional European gardening that enhances the topography of the garden with beauty and usefulness.

Natural Areas and Woodland Trials

As well as the formal gardens, Maywood also provides the opportunity to visit more naturalised gardens. These forest paths give a tranquil interlude to the ordered garden spaces, so that the visitor can feel the sense of environmental responsibility and a fondness of the natural beauty of the estate.

The Wine Connection: Maywood’s Agricultural Heritage

To add more agricultural emphasis on the property, two acre vineyard was planted in 2002 and in 2003 yielding the first vintage of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc in 2005. The estate proves its adherence to diversified agriculture and sustainable land utilization by adding this feature.

The grapes are raised exceptionally, hand picked and handmade to produce an excellent wine. Interestingly, the set local laws disallow Maywood to sell their wine in the town of Bridgewater because it alone is a dry town in the state of Connecticut.

Wine Tastings During Tours

The annual garden tour includes wine tastings, providing visitors with the opportunity to sample the estate’s handcrafted wines while exploring the beautiful gardens. This combination of horticultural beauty and viticultural excellence creates a truly unique visitor experience.

Seasonal Changes and Garden Management

Spring Preparations

During spring, the greenhouse buzzes with activity as staff prepare the countless plants that will grace the gardens throughout the growing season. The careful choreography of planting, transplanting, and seasonal transitions requires expert knowledge and timing.

Summer Displays

Summer represents the peak season for Maywood’s gardens, when all the careful preparation comes to fruition. The formal gardens reach their full glory, while the production areas provide abundant harvests for both the estate and local sales.

Fall Transitions

As autumn approaches, the gardens begin their transformation. The greenhouse transitions from bedding plants to winter plants like poinsettias and cyclamens, ensuring year-round beauty and functionality.

Winter Preparations

Even during Connecticut’s harsh winters, Maywood maintains its commitment to horticultural excellence. The greenhouse provides protection for tender plants while serving as a workspace for planning and preparing for the next growing season.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

This 1,000 acre estate, with approximately 50 acres under active and environmentally responsible garden and forest management, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable land use practices. The estate balances beauty with environmental responsibility, setting an example for private landowners throughout New England.

The integration of production gardens, ornamental displays, and natural areas creates a model of sustainable estate management that benefits both the property and the broader ecosystem.

Planning Your Visit to Maywood Gardens

Getting There

Located at 52 Cooper Road in Bridgewater, Connecticut, Maywood Gardens sits in the heart of Litchfield County. The estate’s hilltop location provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape while offering visitors a sense of privacy and tranquility.

What to Expect

Visitors to the annual tour can expect to see professionally maintained gardens that rival any public botanical garden. The combination of formal and informal spaces, the impressive greenhouse complex, and the integration of agricultural and ornamental elements creates a truly comprehensive garden experience.

Photography Opportunities

The estate offers countless opportunities for garden photography, from intimate details of expertly maintained plantings to sweeping vistas of the Connecticut countryside. The contrast between formal and natural elements provides diverse subjects for photographers of all skill levels.

The Garden Conservancy Connection

The tour serves as a benefit for the National Garden Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving exceptional American gardens for public education and enjoyment. By opening their private estate to the public, the owners of Maywood Gardens support this important mission while sharing their horticultural achievements with fellow garden enthusiasts.

Supporting Garden Preservation

The National Garden Conservancy’s mission aligns perfectly with Maywood’s commitment to horticultural excellence. Through the annual tour, visitors contribute to efforts to preserve and protect significant American gardens for future generations.

Horticultural Education and Inspiration

Learning from Excellence

The annual tour provides an educational opportunity for both amateur and professional gardeners. Visitors can observe techniques and plant combinations that represent decades of horticultural expertise and experimentation.

Design Inspiration

The various garden areas at Maywood offer inspiration for gardeners working with different scales and conditions. From intimate herb gardens to sweeping perennial borders, the estate demonstrates principles that can be adapted to gardens of any size.

The Broader Litchfield County Garden Scene

Maywood Gardens exists within the context of Litchfield County’s rich horticultural heritage. The region’s combination of favorable growing conditions, historic estates, and garden-conscious residents creates a unique environment for exceptional private gardens.

Regional Garden Tours

While Maywood’s annual tour is particularly special due to its rarity, Litchfield County offers numerous garden tour opportunities throughout the growing season. These events collectively showcase the region’s commitment to horticultural excellence and provide inspiration for gardeners throughout New England.

Practical Considerations for Visitors

Tour Logistics

The limited nature of the annual tour means that visitors should plan carefully. The estate’s popularity among garden enthusiasts often results in significant attendance, so arriving early in the day is recommended.

Weather Considerations

Connecticut’s variable weather means that tour conditions can change rapidly. Visitors should dress appropriately for outdoor walking and be prepared for various weather conditions.

Respect for Private Property

Remember that Maywood remains a private residence throughout the year. The annual tour represents a generous gesture by the property owners, and visitors should respect both the property and the privacy of the residents.

The Future of Maywood Gardens

Continuing Excellence

The estate’s commitment to horticultural excellence suggests that future annual tours will continue to showcase new developments and refinements. The ongoing integration of sustainable practices with aesthetic beauty ensures that Maywood will remain relevant and inspiring for years to come.

Educational Value

As interest in sustainable gardening and estate management grows, Maywood’s model of combining beauty, functionality, and environmental responsibility becomes increasingly valuable as an educational resource.

Conclusion

Maywood Gardens represents a unique opportunity to experience one of Connecticut’s most exceptional private estates. The annual tour offers garden enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in horticultural excellence the chance to explore a property that seamlessly combines beauty, functionality, and environmental stewardship.

From the impressive 4,000-square-foot greenhouse to the carefully maintained formal gardens, from the productive agricultural areas to the naturalized woodland trails, Maywood demonstrates what’s possible when passion, expertise, and resources combine in service of horticultural excellence.

The estate’s commitment to the National Garden Conservancy ensures that this private paradise contributes to the broader mission of garden preservation and education. For one special day each year, the gates of Maywood Gardens open to share this horticultural treasure with the public, creating memories and inspiration that last long after the tour ends.

Whether you’re a serious gardener seeking inspiration, a photography enthusiast looking for exceptional subjects, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of carefully maintained landscapes, Maywood Gardens offers an experience that embodies the very best of New England’s private garden tradition.

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Maywood Gardens

When is the Maywood Gardens annual tour held?

The annual garden tour typically takes place during the peak growing season, with dates varying by year. The tour runs from 10 AM to 2 PM promptly, and serves as a benefit for the National Garden Conservancy. Visitors should check the estate’s official communications or the Garden Conservancy’s schedule for specific dates.

How much does it cost to visit Maywood Gardens?

As the tour serves as a fundraiser for the National Garden Conservancy, there is typically an admission fee. Pricing information is usually available through the Garden Conservancy’s official channels closer to the tour date.

Is Maywood Gardens wheelchair accessible?

No, the property is explicitly not handicap accessible. The estate’s natural terrain, historic design, and focus on authenticity mean that visitors with mobility challenges may find portions of the tour difficult to navigate.

Can I visit Maywood Gardens outside of the annual tour?

No, Maywood is a private residence and is not open to the public except during the annual Garden Conservancy tour. The estate maintains its privacy throughout the rest of the year.

Where is Maywood Gardens located exactly?

Maywood Gardens is located at 52 Cooper Road in Bridgewater, Connecticut, in the southern tip of Litchfield County. The estate sits on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Berkshire foothills.

What should I bring to the Maywood Gardens tour?

Visitors should dress appropriately for outdoor walking, wear comfortable shoes suitable for various terrain, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Photography equipment is welcome for capturing the beautiful gardens and landscapes.

How large is the Maywood estate?

The estate encompasses approximately 1,000 acres total, with about 50 acres under active and environmentally responsible garden and forest management. The cultivated garden areas cover roughly 40 acres.

Can I purchase plants or produce from Maywood Gardens?

While the estate produces flowers, vegetables, and field crops, these are typically sold at the Bridgewater Village Store rather than directly from the estate. The annual tour may include some sales opportunities, but this varies by year.

What makes the Maywood greenhouse special?

The 4,000-square-foot greenhouse serves as the focal point of the estate’s horticultural operations. It’s used year-round to grow seasonal plants for display throughout the gardens and estate, transitioning from spring bedding plants to winter displays of poinsettias and cyclamens.

Does Maywood Gardens offer wine tastings?

Yes, the annual garden tour typically includes wine tastings featuring the estate’s handcrafted Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc wines, produced from grapes grown in their two-acre vineyard planted in 2002-2003.

How long should I plan to spend at Maywood Gardens?

The tour operates from 10 AM to 2 PM, and most visitors find that 2-3 hours allows adequate time to explore the various garden areas, greenhouse complex, and enjoy the wine tasting. The estate’s size and diversity of attractions mean that garden enthusiasts could easily spend the entire four-hour window exploring.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Photography for personal use is typically permitted during the tour, making it an excellent opportunity for garden photography enthusiasts to capture images of expertly maintained gardens, the impressive greenhouse, and scenic vistas of the Connecticut countryside.