Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest Garden Tours: July 18, 2025

BARNSTABLE

Mullens’ Garden - 156 Beech Leaf Island Rd., Centerville
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Open for Tours: Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18
Welcome to Patty Mullens’ peaceful garden retreat. In the middle of the recent pandemic Patty moved her permanent residence from suburban New Jersey to this secluded Centerville property surrounded by woods. Since then, she has turned her yard into a bucolic habitat for songbirds, hummingbirds and even owls. Her gardens, all of which she designed and maintains herself, are filled with hydrangeas as well as roses, astilbe, ferns, coneflowers and other perennials selected because they do well on the Cape. A beautiful backyard stone patio provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fruits of her labor. Garden with lots of hydrangeas.

Howe Gardens - 1124 Old Stage Road, Centerville OPEN: 9AM-2PM
Tour benefits Whelden Memorial Library
Open for Tours: July 18 and July 19
We hybridize (breed) daylilies and currently have 23 registered with the American Daylily Society. Our gardens feature about 75 varieties from other growers, along with several hundred of our own unique crosses—some are first-year flowers never seen before, while others are under evaluation. In addition to daylilies, we grow a wide range of perennials. One lucky visitor will receive a Cape Cod Daylily! Pollinator Garden with lots of unusual plants, Plant Collector’s Garden, dog-friendly, Wheelchair and Walker Friendly.
Directions: Located on Old Stage Road in Centerville. Parking is available across the street from the garden.
Parking: Available on the opposite side of Old Stage Road.

Meetinghouse Farm: 2135 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable
Tour benefits Meeting House Farm
Nestled within the West Barnstable community lies Meetinghouse Farm, a verdant oasis and horticultural sanctuary. Step into a world of natural beauty and tranquility as you embark on a journey through lush gardens and verdant greenhouse. Wander through the labyrinth and take leisurely strolls across the sprawling grounds of this cherished local gem. Experience the harmony of nature and humanity in perfect union at Meetinghouse Farm. Parking: small gravel road/culdesac on property, or parking at Fire Station and walking over. Open for Tours: July 11-13 & July 18-20. Pollinator Garden.

CHATHAM

149 Harding Lane, Chatham
Tour benefits Chatham Garden Club
Over 100 New Guinea impatiens line the driveway as you enter the property on the Mill Pond. On the left are hydrangea macrophylla “Nikko Blue” and lacecaps. Beneath the tree canopy is a shade garden of hostas, bleeding heart, and ferns. Down the steps to the back yard is a blue garden of lavender, sage, nepeta cataria, and rosemary. Under the cedar trees is a cutting garden surrounded by potantilla. Along the back are “Nikko Blue” and Oak Leaf hydrangeas. Up on the terrace are Agapanthus, Bugmansia, an ornamental Japanese Maple, annual grasses, and a variety of annuals. The Dahlia garden contains over 20 species. Through the pool gate is a perennial garden with climbing roses, Phlox, Rudbeckia, Perovskia, and Echnacea Achillea augmented with annuals. Exiting the pool is an American Hornbeam hedge pruned to make an architectural statement in winter and privacy in summer. Along the front are “Nikko Blue” and “Endless Summer” hydrangeas and perennials. The final treasure is a secret garden filled with shade loving plants an espaliered Atlas Cedar, and climbing hydrangea. Garden with water view, creative ornaments, pollinator, walker friendly.

441 Old Harbor Road, North Chatham
Tour benefits Chatham Garden Club
Nestled behind a tall hedge is a retired landscape designer’s work of art. For 30 years the owners have worked on this gorgeous labor of love close the Chatham harbor and Pleasant Bay. The result is a garden for all seasons with multiple garden rooms, water features, and uncommon trees and shrubs. More than 100 hydrangeas planted in the shade of the Kousa dogwoods and evergreens create a flowering wonderland in July and August. Stroll through a classic cottage garden planted with roses, perennials, and oriental lilies that scent the air. A hidden pollinator garden attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the property. Also look unusual trees and shrubs like Weeping Deodar Cedar, variegated Japanese Snowbell, a Chinese Sweet Shrub, and Maple “Autumn Moon”. The Black’s Garden, last open to the public in 2016, is not to be missed. Garden with lots of hydrangeas, unusual plants, pollinators, walker friendly.

458 Old Harbor Road, North Chatham
Tour benefits Chatham Garden Club
Upon entering between the driveway’s stone pillars, visitors will be greeted by an amazing property bordered by Endless Summer Macrophylla hydrangeas. At the circular drive are stately old Acer Platanoides (Norway Maples). Lovely holly trees bookend the front door. Recently added is a magnificent Fagus Grandifolia (American Beech tree) skirted by pachysandra leading the path to the magical backyard. You will pass another large holly tree, then proceed through a covered porch with open archways where you will be greeted by vistas of Chatham Harbor and the outer beach. Hydrangeas line a walkway to the pool and outdoor kitchen. “Knock Out” roses and catmint border the fence. The steps leading down to an expansive lawn are flanked by “Annabelle” hydrangeas, native grasses and Russian sage. Garden with water view, lots of hydrangeas, walker friendly.

270 Whidah Road, North Chatham
Tour benefits Chatham Garden Club
Approximately 20 years ago JC Stahl (Poetics in Space) began work on this arboretum like setting. On one side of the front walk are Annabelles (arborescence) and Cityline Venice on the other. The front lawn has been designed into edged colorfields. The bed by the road on the left has 7 hydrangea varities including Oak Leaf and lacecaps. The rest of the front is developed into a canopy and understory of perennials, flowering shrubs and annuals beneath. Flowering trees include a weeping peach, pink magnolia, crepe Myrtles, sculpted Hinoki cypress, Japanese maples, and Leyland Cypress. Other plants throughout the property include echinacea, alstromeria, Gaura, lavender, thyme, weigela, canna, petunias, morning glory, Lillie, rhodendron, dahlias, New Guinea impatiens and a smoke bush. Garden with water view, unusual plants and shrubs, pollinators, walker friendly.

293 Whidah Road, North Chatham
Tour benefits Chatham Garden Club
The current owners adopted the decades old gardens in 2018 and have been culling and augmenting them seasonally. The addition of “Puffer Fish” paniculata, “Pop Start” macrophylla, and “Lime Light” paniculata have added a lightheartedness. The balance of the vintage (1980) Maximum Roseum Rhododendrons, Holly Bushes, Invincibelle “Wee White” and “ Pinky Winky” are accompanied by the “Rhodies” and big leaf Endless Summers, Juniper and boxwoods. Varieties of roses adorn the front entry and also climb the backside of the garage. Over a dozen white, pink and coral rose bushes fill the lower bed, buffered by native grasses and a butterfly bush. The perennial beds are p lanted with daylilies Astilbe, Chrysantheum, peonies, hibiscus, tiger lilies, blue salvia, sage and irises. They are bordered with pink and purple perennial geraniums. Climbing hydrangeas “Petiolaris” hug the back fence behind the garage. Just off the deck are two large Betula Pendula (Silver Birch) that have survived the past 45 years in their habitat with special care. Along the road are a mix of blue lacecaps, mopheads, a Kousa dogwood and a 27-year-old Douglas fir. Garden with water view, pollinators, walker friendly.

DENNIS

Tiny & Wild - 48 Old Sailors Way, South Dennis
Tour benefits Resilient Roots
This is a garden in transition–once filled with ornamental perennials and a traditional turf grass lawn, it’s slowly evolving into a haven that provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators. You’ll see native flowering perennials, edible native plants, an annual vegetable garden, and an herb spiral for the home cook. See how a monoculture lawn can be converted into a biodiverse oasis for birds and pollinators by using time-tested sheet-mulching techniques (no digging!). Discover how even a tiny yard can support our native pollinators and songbirds, while still providing fresh food and beautiful flowers for the gardener. Garden with lots of unusual plants, Pollinator garden, wheelchair and walker friendly. Open for Tours: July 11 & July 18.
Parking: The street is narrow, so please park only on the even-numbered side of the street.
Hydrangeas: There is a small collection of hydrangeas throughout the yard: Pinky Winky, Twist & Shout, Tiny Tuff Stuff, Little Quick Fire, Ruby Slippers, to name a few.

FALMOUTH

Michaelson’s Garden - 12 Sheeps Crossing Lane, Woods Hole/Falmouth
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Open for Tours: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Richard and Allyn Michaelson built their home in 1994. Now, 30 years into what started as their five-year landscaping plan, their gardens have developed into mature, diverse, and constantly evolving spaces. The front garden is distinguished by stunning beech, Japanese maple, and Kousa dogwood trees as well as a blanket of lush hydrangeas, ferns, hosta, rhododendron, rose of sharon, butterfly bushes and day lilies. The rear of the property features an inground pool, framed by a stone retaining wall that supports a stunning and vibrant patchwork of hydrangeas, hosta, daylilies, and other plantings. There is also a tranquil hilltop terrace with shade-tolerant plantings. Lots of hydrangeas | Pollinator Garden. FYI: Mal Condon, The Hydrangea Guy of Cape Cod, will be at this garden to speak to visitors and answer questions at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on July 18th.

Chapman’s Garden - 28 Sady’s Lane, E. Falmouth
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Open for Tours: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
George and Marcia Chapman, both life-long horticulturists, love their high maintenance 40-year-old garden but recognize that they are not getting any younger. While still committed to acquiring unusual plants and undertaking new garden projects, they have begun making alterations with the future in mind. Come see where they have removed large evergreens and transplanted shrubs. Enjoy more than 100 kinds of native plants and 57 varieties of hydrangeas interspersed among the hundreds of plants on this half-acre lot. Explore every pathway and pass through every archway for inspiration, ideas and surprises. This spectacular garden has been featured in Fine Gardening, Cape Cod Home and Falmouth Living magazines.  Lots of hydrangeas | Lots of unusual plants.

A Nursery Woman's Garden - 1021 Sandwich Rd, East Falmouth
Tour benefits Clark Cancer Center
Open for tours: July 12th & July 18th: 10AM-3PM
Imagine the fun you would have if the nursery you owned was literally in your backyard. Reg and Terry Soares had the opportunity to reimagine their 30 year garden when an addition was added in 2020. The construction opened up new spaces for stone walls, a shady summer patio retreat, a fountain, new beds and with more light available- lots of new plants to experiment with. For the last four years they have been filling the new spaces with trees, shrubs and perennials. While the garden matures, annuals, tropicals and container gardens fill in with color from spring till late fall. A dream come true to be able to play with an unlimited plant selection for your own garden. As part of the 2025 Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival; Soares Flower Garden Nursery is proud to raise funds for Cape Cod Healthcare's Clark Cancer Center. So many people in our lives have been touched by cancer. Anyone who has used the services the Clark Cancer Center has to offer, knows firsthand how fortunate we are to have a local facility of this caliber in our town. Clark Cancer Center is part of Cape Cod Healthcare's Regional Network with a Commission on Cancer accreditation by the American College of Surgeons. We are proud to partner with them. All proceeds from our garden tours, gift basket drawing will be donated to support the services the Clark Cancer Center has to offer. Directions: Soares Nursery is located a 1⁄2 mile from RT 151. The garden is located behind the nursery. Parking is available at Soares Flower Garden Nursery, 1021 Sandwich Road, East Falmouth. Signs will direct you to the garden.

Bill Guggiana's Bluff House – 100 Moorland Road, Falmouth
Tour benefiting Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod
Welcome to The Gardens at 100 Moorland Road, a quintessential Cape Cod scene set on a bluff overlooking Vineyard Sound. You will be captivated and inspired by the variety of plantings, including many hydrangeas, natives, pollinators, and perennials. The owner has also built over 250 feet of dry-stone walls on the property to provide various aesthetic and functional purposes. This is a place where human craftsmanship and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquility and serenity. Garden talks at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Garden with Waterview, lots of hydrangeas, pollinator garden.
Street parking; 1 mile from W Main St Falmouth. Garden with water view; accessibility: lawn, stairs – discretionary judgement advised.

ORLEANS

Karakehian’s Garden - 100 Gibson Road, Orleans
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Open for Tours: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
George and Kristin Karakehian have summered in their Orleans home for 40 years. Twenty years ago they set about establishing their gardens which today feature 90 hydrangeas, including serrata, macrophylla, paniculata, and arborescens varieties as well as Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris or climbing hydrangea. “Every time we purchase new hydrangeas our lawn gets smaller,” laughs the couple who have designed their gardens and maintain them as well. In addition to hydrangeas, they have a special fondness for dahlias. Their gardens also include daisies, butterfly weed and roses. Among the 35 varieties of hydrangeas in their garden you will find a number that are no longer in commercial production. Their favorites are black-stemmed H.m.’Zorro’ and H.m.’Cityline Paris.’ Garden with lots of hydrangeas.

Pessoni’s Garden - 4 Driftwood Lane, Orleans
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Open for Tours: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Dan Pessoni is known locally as “Dan, the Lily Man” and rightly so. His Driftwood Garden is the Outer Cape’s only nationally-registered American Daylily Display Garden, with 700 different labeled varieties. In addition, this garden contains 350 labeled varieties of hosta, with special beds for small and miniature varieties. Interspersed among the hosta are heuchera, ferns, and Solomon’s Seal. Driftwood Garden also boasts a collection of more than 100 labeled hydrangea varieties and a large vegetable garden. Located throughout the property are 15 specimen trees, including stewartia, hepatacodium (seven son flower), tricolor leaf beech and heritage birch. Come meet Dan in his wonderland.
Lots of hydrangeas | Lots of unusual plants.

SANDWICH

Paul Tocci Memorial Garden Curated by Josh LaPine
6 Carleton Drive West, East Sandwich
Tour benefits Sandwich Conservation Trust
Beautiful residential garden in Carleton Shores tucked at the end of a private road steps from the beach. Blooms, textures and shapes of all colors draw you in to this unique blend of perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees. Dappled willows, viburnum astilbe, brunnera, hosta, shasta and hydrangea are the stars(among may others) Intermingled with classic and modern planters. A secret garden for solace and peaceful thinking there is no shortage of beauty to be observed. Garden with lots of hydrangeas. Curator Josh LaPine available for tours and questions.

A recreation of “My Grandmother’s Garden” - Designed by artist and children’s book author Jana Dillon -
110 Tupper Road, Sandwich
Tour benefits Sandwich Arts Alliance
The John Pope house overlooks the tidal Mill Creek marsh. The flower gardens are planted in dense profusion of flowers, which creates an exuberant display of blooms while the density results in less weeding. A moss garden with a water feature nestles within the foundation of a barn, and ivy covers the hillside. Hitching posts and granite gateposts reflect the property’s long history from the mid-1600s. The house itself is from 1699. Plein Air artists and crafters will be on site. Hydrangea art and souvenirs will be available for purchase as well as hydrangea cupcakes and cookies!!! The original Sandwich Boardwalk book will also be available for sale.

Woodland Garden with Fish Pond and Waterfall - 7 Jeanne’s Way, Forestdale
Tour benefits St. John’s Episcopal Church
Open for Tours: Saturday, July 12, 10am-3pm & Friday, July 18, 10am-3pm
Woodland garden paths lead to fish pond with waterfall; perennials and shrubs behind 100 foot stone wall; a scarlet oak tree, one of the largest and oldest on Cape Cod. Garden with lots of hydrangeas. dogs on leashes welcome. Street parking (quiet development street), Uneven ground, some stairs.

YARMOUTH

A Garden on The Marsh - 70 Alms House Road, Yarmouth Port
Tour benefits Garden Club of Yarmouth
This unique property borders on conservation land with picturesque views of Barnstable Harbor and Sandy Neck lighthouse. Stroll along walking paths through beach plums and junipers for a closer view of the marsh and the nearby osprey nest. Visit the kitchen garden which features raspberries, blueberries, beach plums and vegetables such as rhubarb, asparagus, squash, beans and cucumbers. In fact, jams and jellies make by the owner will be for sale. Enjoy this rare photographic opportunity to visit this special property. Garden With A Water view, Wheelchair and walker friendly.

Colors in Bloom: 38 Gardiner Lane, South Yarmouth
Tour benefits Cape Abilities
As amateur horticulturists, we are quite proud of our first showing of our "classic" blue hydrangeas surrounding our home. Upon first visit to the property, one will notice that we have a mix of young and mature plants that encircle the entire property. Our hydrangeas provide beauty and privacy. They are big and blue. We do hope that you will enjoy your visit. Garden with lots of hydrangeas, walker friendly, well-behaved dogs on a leash allowed. Open for Tours: July 16-18.