For those even remotely interested in horticulture, the Berkshire boasts some of New England's finest gardens.
Tricia McCormack
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Naumkeag
5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262Why we love it
With its views of Monument Mountain, its stunning collection of gardens created by Joseph Choates's daughter, Miss Mabel Choate, and Fletcher Steele over 30 years, its original artwork, and its shingle-style house, Naumkeag creates an unforgettable experience for visitors. Walk through the equally beautiful Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, Rose Garden, Evergreen Garden, and Chinese Garden to encounter the playful, inventive spirit of Miss Choate and Mr. Steele.
Insider's Tip
This is definitely a Newport-like experience but in the Berkshire Hills. If that is what you are seeking, you will find it here. Reserve about 1 hour to experience the gardens alone, 2 hours if you intend to partake in the house tour as well.
Hours of operation
May 20 to Columbus Day: Open daily, 10AM to 5PM.
Columbus day to late November: Open Saturday and Sunday only, 11AM to 4PM
April 15 to May 19: Open Saturday and Sunday only, 10AM to 5PM.
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Tricia McCormack
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home
2 Plunkett St, Lenox, Massachusetts 01240Why we love it
This is one of the most stunning gardens in all of the Berkshires. A must visit if you are into horticulture. Gardens, as Wharton elaborated in Italian Villas and Their Gardens (1904), should be architectural compositions just like houses. She envisioned her gardens as an elegant series of outdoor rooms, in harmony with the house and the surrounding natural landscape. Today, you can experience much of Wharton’s original design for the gardens. For example, the sunken Italian Garden uses serene tones of greens and whites which, combined with porticos and alcoves in the stone walls, creates a cool, shady respite from summer sun. The centerpiece of this garden is a rustic rock-pile fountain surrounded by white begonias.
Insider's Tip
In harmony with Mrs. Wharton's affinity for dogs, The Mount maintains a pet-friendly sensibility, allowing dogs on their grounds.
Hours of operation
The grounds are open daily, free-of-charge.
Mansion hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, May - October.
*See our calendar of events for early close dates where the house and grounds have limited hours.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden
5 W Stockbridge Rd, Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262Why we love it
A showcase of horticulture and garden design and a “museum of living things,” Berkshire Botanical Garden features dozens of display areas that are educational, functional, and highly ornamental, with plant collections emphasizing plants that are native to the Northeast or that thrive in Zone 5b. Among the oldest in the region, the gardens have evolved and expanded over the years in breadth and variety.
Insider's Tip
Be sure to keep abreast of the classes and workshops offered here. From special events and gardening workshops, to beekeeping classes and plant sales, their program calendar is truly extraordinary.
Hours of operation
From May 1st through Columbus day, open daily from 9am-5pm
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Property of Trustees of Reservations
Ashintully Gardens
Sodem Road, Town of Tyringham, MassachusettsWhy we love it
Against the backdrop of a sheltering Berkshires valley, during summer and fall wander through an intimate environment of outdoor sculpture and elegant gardens nourished by a gurgling stream. The gardens blend several natural features – a stream, native deciduous trees, a rounded knoll, and rising flanking meadows – into an ordered arrangement with both formal and informal beauty. Among the formal you'll find are the Fountain Pond, Pine Park, Rams Head Terrace, Bowling Green, Regency Bridge, and Trellis Triptych. Urns, columns, and statuary ornament the garden, while foot bridges, foot paths, stone stairs, and grassy terraces connect various parts of the garden.
Insider's Tip
Take the half-mile woodland trail leads to the ruins of the Marble Palace. From these ruins, visitors can take in a distant view north through the Tyringham Valley.
Hours of Operation
Starting the 1st Wednesday in June through 2nd Saturday in October. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only from 1 – 5PM,
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Mission House, Gardens & Indian Museum
Why we love it
From 1928 to 1933, noted landscape architect Fletcher Steele designed the Colonial Revival garden, which features a colonial-style dooryard garden of circular brick paths enclosed by a cypress fence. A kitchen garden divided by crushed stone walkways contains 100 herbs, perennials, and annuals that had culinary or medicinal value to early colonists. A replica of an old cobbler shop serves as the entrance to the property.
Insider's Tip
The house is rarely open to the public so if your visit does not sync with their schedule, you can always explore the gardens.
Hours of operation
Guided Tours: Saturdays & Sundays, July & August: 11AM, 12Noon, 1PM, & 2PM
Gardens open daily for self-guided visits
Private group tours for 10 or more people: July – October, available by appointment
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