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Hollister House Garden

300 Nettleton Hollow Road
860-868-2200

A Classic Garden in the Garden in the English Manner, with a loosely formal structure, informally planted in generous abundance situated in the Litchfield hills of Northwestern Connecticut.

The History Of Hollister house:

Beautifully situated on a sloping, terraced site in the rolling hills of Litchfield County in northwestern Connecticut, Hollister House Garden is an American interpretation of such classic English gardens as Sissinghurst , Great Dixter and Hidcote, formal in its structure but informal and rather wild in its style of planting. Begun in 1979 by George Schoellkopf, the garden since that time has evolved under George’s direction into a unique synthesis of the formal and the natural, the right angles of paths, walls and hedges melting seamlessly into the lush surrounding landscape, which forms a magnificent backdrop to the garden’s exuberant plantings. Since 1993 Gerald Incandela has contributed greatly to the garden’s development with his artist’s eye trained on redefining the surrounding landscape. The garden is sited on the southeastern side of a rambling but serenely dignified eighteenth century house on 25 acres of mostly wooded countryside. Although the garden is in no way a recreation of an eighteenth century garden, it was nevertheless planned to complement the old house, and antique or hand made materials have been used wherever possible in its construction. Various eighteenth century barns and outbuildings are visible from the garden and further help to root it in the history of the place. The garden unfolds in successive layers of space and color with delightful informal vistas from one section to the next. Eight-to-ten-foot walls and hedges with dramatic changes in level define the progression of garden spaces – “rooms” as the English like to say – and create a firm architectural framework for the romantic abundance of the plantings. A winding brook and a large pond at the bottom of the lawn add to the variety of the garden scene.

Visiting Hours:

Wednesday 1-4pm
Thursday 5-7 (June 1-August 31)
Friday 1-4pm
Saturday 10-4pm

Special hours for artists and photographers: Wednesday 9-1 (May 31 - August 30)


Upcoming Events at Hollister House Garden

Reading The Landscape: Design Solutions Inspired By Nature

Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Washington, CT
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Sumi-e Painting: Magnolia Buds and Blossoms

Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Washington, CT
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Dig Into Gardening Workshop

Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Washington, CT
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Dig Into Gardening Workshop

Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
Washington, CT
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Dig Into Gardening Workshop

Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
Washington, CT
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Botanical Printmaking Workshop

Saturday, Jun 1, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Washington, CT
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Garden Design Studio Workshop

Friday, Jun 7, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Washington, CT
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Garden Design Studio Workshop

Saturday, Jun 8, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
Washington, CT
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Garden Design Studio Workshop

Sunday, Jun 9, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
Washington, CT
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Garden Journaling: Vignettes

Friday, Jun 28, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
Washington, CT
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Recent News

Join the Hollister House Garden Team

Join our Hollister House Garden Volunteer Team Volunteers at Hollister House Garden welcome visitors as garden docents and greeters during our public visiting hours and assist with lectures, and special events. The ideal candidate is outgoing,…

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Hollister House Garden News - December 28, 2023

Throughout the year we have shared the always changing views of the garden with you. As you enjoy these highlights of 2023 we hope you will consider a donation to our 2023 Annual Appeal. Your participation makes a difference! Make a Gift Please…

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What's In Bloom

Dear Friends, The garden has closed for the season, so this will be the final edition of What's in Bloom for 2023. It has been our pleasure to share the beauty of this extraordinary garden with you every Tuesday, and we are grateful for your many…

Read More »

Hollister House Garden News : What's In Bloom - September 26, 2023

Hemerocallis ‘Wee Willie Winkie’ across from the Horse Court Eupatorium coelestinum blooming throughout the garden The glorious seeds of Paeonia obovata in front of the Main House Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ in the Long…

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Hollister House Garden News : What's In Bloom - September 19, 2023

What's in Bloom Colchicum byzantinum ‘Innocence’ signaling the waning of the season Verbena bonariensis attracting pollinators to the Kitchen Garden September reflections in the Walled Garden Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida in…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - August 22, 2023

What's in Bloom Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ in the Long Border Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana’ glorious in the Gray Garden Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’ in the Long Border A bountiful harvest on the Apple Tree…

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Hollister House Garden News - August 15, 2023

Upcoming Events Topiary Demonstration Saturday, August 26 Learn the art of training, trimming, and guiding a plant into a shape that is different from its natural form with Anthony Bellomo, proprietor of Orangerie Garden and Home in Millbrook.…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - July 11, 2023

What's in Bloom Dahlia ‘Great White’ in the Walled Garden Hemerocallis ‘Heavenly Flight’ in the Herb Garden Morning light in the Walled Garden Pollinators enjoying Papaver somniferum in the Double Border Hemerocallis…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - July 4, 2023

What's in Bloom Iris ensata ‘Praise’ along the Cobble Walk Nymphaea ‘Texas Dawn’ in the Reflecting Pool Papaver somniferum opening in the Double Border Echinacea paradox in the Kitchen Garden Onopordum acanthium on…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - June 27, 2023

What's in Bloom Rosa rugosa ‘Frau Dagmar Hastrup’ in the Double Border Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ in the Double Border Magnolia ashei fully open by the Pond Nymphae ‘Giverny Red’ on the Rill Terrace…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - June 20, 2023

What's in Bloom Signs of Summer on the Rill Terrace Kalmia latifolia ‘Raspberry Glow’ stunning in the Double Border Magnolia ashei by the Sunken Terrace Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ in the Long Border Geum ‘Sangria' is a long…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - May 30, 2023

What's in Bloom First Friday June 2 6-8 As day fades into evening, enjoy a glass of wine, the company of friends and neighbors and see the garden in a different light. Reservations not required. Admission $10 per person. This First…

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Hollister House Garden - What's In Bloom

What's in Bloom The elegant Paeonia suffruticosa in the Long Border Forget-Me-Nots scattering true blue throughout the garden The exuberant blossoms of Rosa hugonis on the Main Lawn Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ blooming on the…

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Hollister House Garden Upcoming Events : June 2023

June 1 Thursday Evening Hours 5 - 7 pm Beginning June 1 and continuing through August 24, Hollister House Garden will be open on Thursday evenings from 5-7. You may bring a picnic to enjoy as the sun sets. June 2 First Friday 6 - 8 pm As the…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - May 16, 2023

What's in Bloom Early morning light in the Gray Garden The stunning Magnolia ‘Sunsation’ outside the Kitchen Garden The Double Border The elegant Tulipa ‘Ballerina’ in the Kitchen Garden Pheasant’s Eye Daffodils in…

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Hollister House Garden: What's In Bloom - May 9, 2023

El Nino’ & ‘Big Brother’ Tulips brightening the Long Border Looking out from the Rill Terrace after the rain Magnolia x acuminata ‘Golden Gift’ casting shadows on the Main Lawn Delicate Epimedium flowers…

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Hollister House Garden Study Weekend Symposium September 9, 2023

GARDEN STUDY WEEKEND SYMPOSIUM SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 Hollister House Garden Study Weekend will once again bring together some of the most important voices at work today in the fields of horticulture and garden design for a weekend of learning,…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - May 2, 2023

A look inside the Walled Garden Apple blossoms on the Hillside Evita in the Long Border amidst Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ Early spring viewed from the Long Border Upcoming May Events Life in the Studio: Connecting Ceramics and…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - April 18, 2023

Opening Day April 21 The glorious Magnolia x loebneri ‘Dr. Merrill’ Cheerful bunches of daffodils blooming throughout the garden Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’ below the Apple Tree Terrace Poeticus daffodils…

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Hollister House Garden Upcoming Events : April, 2023

APRIL AT HOLLISTER HOUSE GARDEN Our season of Lectures and Workshops begins April 20 - May 18 Gardener Master Class The Gardener Master Class covers all aspects of gardening from concept and planning to installation and…

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Hollister House Garden Announcing The Gardener Master Class - March 16, 2023

This five-session master class will cover all aspects of gardening, from concept and planning to installation and maintenance. For new gardeners or those with existing knowledge, this course will provide fresh ideas and concepts for re-imagining…

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Join the Hollister House Garden Volunteer Team

Volunteers at Hollister House Garden welcome visitors as garden docents and greeters during our public visiting hours and assist with lectures, and special events. The ideal candidate is outgoing, reliable, and enjoys interacting with visitors. An…

Read More »

Hollister House Garden : What's in Bloom - October 11, 2022

Dear Friends, The garden has closed for the season, so this will be the final edition of What's in Bloom for 2022. It has been our pleasure to share the beauty of this extraordinary garden with you every Tuesday, and we are grateful for the many…

Read More »

Hollister House Garden : What's in Bloom - October 4, 2022

What's in Bloom Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol’s Limelight’ & Aster novae-angliae viewed from the Apple Tree Terrace Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ at the entrance to the Gray Garden First glimpse of the garden on a…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - September 27, 2022

What's in Bloom Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida blooming in the Kitchen Garden View just beyond the Rill Terrace Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ in the Walled Garden Aster novae-angliae ‘Alma Potschke’ viewed from…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - September 19, 2022

What's in Bloom Franklinia alatamaha blooming in the Horse Court Dahlia ‘Happy Single First Love’ along the Cobble Walk The Walled Garden on a glorious mid-September day Colchicum byzantinum ‘Innocence’ signaling the waning…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - September 13, 2022

What's in Bloom Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ along the Cobble Walk Cimicifuga simplex ‘Pink Spike’ in the Walled Garden The nourishing nectar of Tagetes patula 'Cinnabar’ in the Kitchen Garden Papaver…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - August 30, 2022

Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’ blooming at the end of the Long Border Migratory Monarch Butterflies are now listed as an Endangered Species. This one found on Verbena bonariensis in the Kitchen Garden Early morning light in the…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - August 23, 2022

Pycnanthemum muticum attracting pollinators in the Kitchen Garden Hydrangea paniculata blooming on the Main Lawn Life in the Reflecting Pool A Vernonia seedling along the Cobble Walk View from the Gray Garden UPCOMING WORKSHOP Bumblebees in…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - August 16, 2022

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana’ beginning to bloom in the Gray Garden Nymphaea ‘Colorado Orange’ in the Kitchen Garden Sanguisorba canadensis along the Cobble Walk Dahlia ‘Happy Single First Love’ along the Cobble…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - August 9, 2022

Silphium perfoliatum ‘The Holy Grail’ in the Yellow Border. Lycoris squamigera quietly blooming in the Long Border The bold blossoms of Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Midnight Marvel’ in the Horse Court Look closely and you will…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - August 2, 2022

What's in Bloom Hemerocallis ‘One Above You’ in the Herb Garden Zinnia elegans ‘Benary’s Giant Deep Red’ in the Kitchen Garden A self-sown Phlox paniculata in the Long Border Hemerocallis ‘Hesperus’ blooming…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - July 26, 2022

A Monarch landing on Allium sphaerocephalon in the Kitchen Garden Hemerocallis ‘Frankly Scarlet’ along the Brook Walk Hemerocallis ‘Evergold’ brightening the Cobble Walk Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Tall Double…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - July 12, 2022

What's in Bloom Papaver somniferum in the Double Border Hemerocallis ‘Kindly Light’ in the Long Border Echinacea purpurea ‘Sombrero Adobe Orange’ in the Kitchen Garden Hemerocallis ‘Nutmeg Elf’ in the…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - June 28, 2022

Clematis ‘General Sikorski’ climbing on the wall of the Garden House Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ in the Double Border Oenothera fruticosa & Anemone canadensis along the Main Lawn Walk Nymphae ‘Giverny Red’…

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Hollister House Garden : What's In Bloom - June 21, 2022

Bold color combination of Silene armeria and poppies on the Main Lawn Dahlia ‘Happy Single First Love’ along the Cobble Path View into the Kitchen Garden Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ in the Double Border Hello Summer from…

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Hollister House Garden - What's In Bloom

The magnificent Magnolia ashei by the Sunken Terrace Paeonia lactiflora ‘Mrs. FDR’ in the Double Border Paeonia lactiflora ‘Nick Shaylor’ in the Kitchen Garden Evita at her post on the Rill Terrace Hydrangea anomola…

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Hollister House Garden News - June Happenings

Special Summer Hours Begin June 1 June 1 Artists & Photographers Every Wednesday morning until August 31, the garden is open for artists and photographers from 9-1. More Information June 2 Thursday Evening Opening In addition to…

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Photos