Garden Day

Woodstock Garden Day - August 23

 

Explore three stunning gardens in sites across Woodstock. Discover the shared story between Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Billings Farm & Museum, and the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s Kelly Way Gardens.

Enjoy garden tours, live music, crafts, and activities for all ages across these three locations. Experience a diverse array of gardens, each with its own unique purpose.

At Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, activies will take place 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gardens reflect generations of stewardship and park rangers will guide tours of the Four Square Garden, Waterfall Garden, and Mary Rockefeller’s Cutting Garden. At the National Park, all programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome. The 2024 schedule of programs for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park can be found below. Click here to view schedule of events for all of Woodstock Garden Day, including scheduled events at Billings Farm & Museum and Kelly Way Gardens.

 

Discover the park's formal gardens.

NPS Photo / Sczomak

Scheduled Activities

Unless otherwise noted, all ranger talks will begin at the Tours Start Here sign at the entrance to the formal gardens, behind the Mansion.

Introduction to the Gardens | 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Take an overview of the historic garden landscape with Ranger Marguerite and discover a world of stories behind the generations of women who took care of the land.

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra | 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will play live music on the Mansion Lawn. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic, or stroll the gardens while you enjoy the music.

Mint Ice Cream | 11:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Available while supplies last, courtesy of the Billings Farm & Museum.

Mansion Open House | 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A ranger will be stationed outside the Mansion providing introductory talks and assigning entry times. There will also be a ranger inside to answer questions. Visitors enter through the front of the home and exit through the back into the garden. Six people may enter the home at a time. No reservations are required, but we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

Introduction to the Gardens | 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Take an overview of the historic garden landscape with Ranger Marguerite and discover a world of stories behind the generations of women who took care of the land.

Fernery Walk | 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Walk through Elizabeth Billings' historic fernery and Waterfall Garden with Ranger Diane and learn about the remarkable women who contributed to the estate's development.

 

Create a watercolor print of a flower from the garde.

NPS Photo / Sczomak

All Day Activities | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Create-A-Tussie Mussie| Cutting Garden

A tussie mussie is a small Victorian era flower arrangement that conveys a secret message. Create your own tussie mussie from Mary Rockefeller's Cutting Garden with the help of garden staff and volunteers. Available while supplies last.

Historic Putting Green | Cutting Garden

Sharpen your golf game like a Rockefeller on the historic putting green.

Children's Activities | Garden Lawn

Learn about native pollinators and create a native plant seed ball or floral bookmark.

Historic Herbarium Print Making | Garden Lawn

Learn about the historic herbaria created by Elizabeth Billings' and Elsie May Kittredge. Press flowers and make your own modern version!

Play in the Park | Mansion and Garden Lawns

Enjoy lawn games on the Mansion lawn and porch. Play classic games like croquet, bocce ball, tennis and checkers.