Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest Garden Tours: July 18, 2026

BARNSTABE

2021 Main Street, West Barnstable
Tour benefits Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod
“Continuing garden” best describes the garden(s) at 2021 Main Street. The most recent garden was inspired during the pandemic by the Netflix film Beatrix Ferrand’s American Landscapes. The book, Inspirational Gardens of Charlotte Moss also inspired this garden with attempts at building seating areas, multi-layered green walls, visual interest, like rock sculpture, and gradual layered flowering shrubs and blossoms. In the spring and summer, the garden has many visitors including friends and family and a multitude of local critters including birds, rabbits, and deer, many who think it is a buffet. Garden talks will be at 11:00 and 2:00. Hydrangeas, Creative Ornaments, Pollinator Garden.

From Lawn to Garden - 15 Saddler Lane, West Barnstable
Tour benefits Whelden Memorial Library
Multiple gardens featuring over 650 plants with an eclectic mix of English cottage garden plants, Japanese Maples, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and unusual plants. By eliminating my front yard lawn and instead creating multiple gardens, I have met more neighbors and the garden has become a shared experience in the neighborhood. It has changed the way I garden. The front and back gardens are separated by paths and they all reflect my passion for plants. Pollinator garden with lots of hydrangeas, unusual plants, creative ornaments, dog friendly. Open for Tours: July 12, July 16, July 18. Directions: Saddler is off Old Stage Rd near the Service Road, close to Route 6 Exit 65. Parking: On-street parking available.

Meetinghouse Farm - 2135 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable
Tour benefits Meetinghouse 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/cul-de-sac on property, or parking at Fire Station and walking over. Pollinators garden. Open for Tours: July 10-12 & July 17-19.

FALMOUTH

Marsha and George Chapman - 28 Sady’s Lane, Falmouth
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Many visitors say that this garden is magical. On this half acre property designed by George and Marcia Chapman you will discover a shade garden, a sun garden, a moss garden and a sunset garden. Plant material collected and planted over the past 42 years accent and define the landscape. Group plantings are artfully accomplished throughout the property by the carefully planned use of color, texture and form. Do- it-yourself ideas can be found around every corner. Come and be inspired by vignette plantings, hypertufa displays, combo planters, hardscaping and unique tree and shrub pruning as you stroll along the many garden paths. The garden is never done, and it is indeed different every year. This garden has been featured in Cape Cod Home and Fine Gardening magazines. Lots of hydrangeas, lots of unusual plants. On street parking. for Tours: July 17 and July 18.

Allyn and Richard Michaelson’s Garden - 12 Sheeps Crossing Lane, Woods Hole
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
In 1994, Richard and Allyn Michaelson built their home on a wooded acre that rises 40 feet from street to ridge. Now more than thirty years into what began as a five-year landscaping plan, the garden has grown into a mature, diverse, and constantly evolving space.
The front garden is anchored by a commanding beech tree and features a rich variety of plantings: hydrangeas in multiple types and colors, ferns, hostas, rhododendrons, and butterfly bushes, along with Rose of Sharon, a Japanese red maple, and a kousa dogwood.
Along the west side, a generous bed of pachysandra runs alongside the house, fronting a newer bed of additional hydrangeas. A path leads from there to an in-ground pool framed by a stone retaining wall, where a vibrant tapestry of hydrangeas, hostas, daylilies, and perennials spills down the slope. Above, an upper terrace centered on a fire pit and ringed with Adirondack chairs offers a shaded, tranquil retreat — surrounded by deep greenery and shade-tolerant plantings, with views that reward the climb. Lots of hydrangeas. On street parking. Open for Tours: July 17 and July 18.

A Symphony of Color - 5 Marvin Circle, Falmouth
Tour benefits Falmouth Art Center
This vibrant landscape is a colorful masterpiece featuring over 5,000 flowering shrubs and perennials. A favorite of Hydrangea Festival visitors, the property showcases creative themed spaces like the enchanting Sunken Mermaid Garden, the romantic Arbor Garden, and the heart-shaped Reggie’s Garden, commemorating their beloved pet. Complete with live music and plein air artists, it is a joyful celebration of nature and art.
Pollinator Garden with lots of hydrangeas, unusual plants, creative ornaments.
Directions: Follow Route 28 towards Woods Hole, turn Right on McCallum Drive, and follow to Marvin Circle. Parking: On the Road, Follow Signs.

Veggies, Natives, and Rainwater - 53 Sidewinder Rd, East Falmouth
Tour benefits Resilient Roots
This half-acre garden is designed to make the most of every inch, blending edible plants with a rich palette of natives. Four years ago, the homeowners hosted a day-long Resilient Roots permablitz event planting fruit trees, berries, and habitat-supporting perennials. The design works with the land’s natural topography to capture rainwater from the road and rooftops, slowing it down and “planting” it into garden beds where it can soak in and support growth. Winding paths lead you through a mix of established spaces and in-progress projects, offering a real look at a garden that’s still evolving. It’s a great opportunity to see how to blend beauty with function and learn how to be creative with space. Pollinator Garden, Rainwater Harvesting, Edible Plants, Walker-friendly.

ORLEANS

Dan Pessoni’s Garden - 4 Driftwood Lane, Orleans
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
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 than 110 labeled hydrangea varieties and a large vegetable garden. Located throughout the property are 15 labeled specimen trees, including stewartia, heptacodium (seven son flower), tricolor leaf beech and heritage birch. Come meet Dan in his wonderland. Lots of hydrangeas, unusual plants, dog friendly. On street parking. Open for Tours: July 17 and July 18.

Kristin and George Karakehian’s Garden - 100 Gibson Road, Orleans
Tour benefits Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Kristin and George 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. Lots of hydrangeas. On street parking. Open for Tours: July 17 and July 18.

SANDWICH

Poison Ivy Acres - 2 Lawrence Pond Lane, Sandwich
Tour benefits Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod
Come see what Dan and C.L. Fornari have done with 2.5 acres over 19 years. Wander through a trial and cutting garden. See the organic vegetable beds and rows of tomato plants. Discover new varieties of annuals and flower-filled perennial gardens. C.L. is the author of Hydrangea Happiness, and this garden contains the six species of Hydrangeas that are included in the book. Enjoy some of the newest Hydrangea varieties, plus native plants, a fragrance garden, unusual evergreens, and many containers. Take a walk down to Lawrence Pond, and ask The Garden Lady your questions about plants and gardening. Waterview, Hydrangeas, Unusual Plants, Creative Ornaments, Pollinator Garden, Dogs on Leashes.

Bowker’s Garden - 151 Old County Road, East Sandwich
Tour benefits Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod
The owners purchased their historic former dairy farm in 2001 and have spent the last two decades rescuing 15 acres from invasive plants. The features of this garden include a gazebo, pergola, statuary, a formal herb garden, an orchard, espaliered pear, beehives, many
peaceful sitting areas, and over 50 hydrangeas naturalized throughout the garden as well as in pots and urns. The garden is a certified Pollinator Pathway. The Bowker’s especially enjoy their extensive vegetable patch growing 40 types of tomatoes, greens, vegetables, figs and other favorites. Hear what hydrangeas thrive on the upper Cape and how they contribute to natural plantings that support birds and pollinators at talks scheduled at 11
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Bowker’s home is a short drive from The Chase Road Exit 63 of the Mid-Cape highway
(Route 6.) Driveway parking allows for 6 or 7 cars, roadside parking is also available. Hydrangeas, Unusual Plants, Creative Ornaments, Pollinator.

Living Off the Land - 4 Locust Lane, East Sandwich
Tour benefits Resilient Roots
This newly renovated landscape is a living example of what it means to grow with intention. Designed with the goal of self-sufficiency and supporting nature, it weaves together fruit trees, a productive vegetable garden, and products for crafting homegrown products. A series of garden “rooms” unfold as you wander, connected by gently meandering paths that invite exploration. From cool, shady retreats to vibrant sun-filled beds, each area supports a rich diversity of plants, insects, and wildlife. The result is a landscape that feels both abundant and balanced. Pollinator garden with some hydrangeas, lots of unusual plants and creative ornaments. Open for Tours: July 17 and July 18.
Garden Directions: Just off Old County Rd in East Sandwich. Parking: Park along the short dirt road that leads to the driveway. If the dirt road is full, signs will point to off-site parking, about 600 feet away.

Decatur House - 176 Main Street, Sandwich
Tour benefits Sandwich Conservation Trust
Decatur House is a welcoming assisted living residence tucked off Main Street in Sandwich Village. The property, thoughtfully maintained by owner Linda Austin, offers a serene and beautifully landscaped setting. Guests are greeted by more than two dozen Nikko-blue and lace cap hydrangeas, with gardens that flourish throughout the seasons with an abundance of perennials, including Casablanca and Asiatic lilies, multiple varieties of hosta and roses, as well as English and American holly. The grounds create a peaceful, coastal-inspired environment that feels both elegant and comforting. * Hydrangeas. Open for Tours: July 17 and July 18.

YARMOUTH

82 Sierra Way, West Yarmouth
Tour benefitting Yarmouth Food Pantry
Gardens Have winding paths with over 100 Japanese maples. Have over 300 registered Hostas that are labeled for ID. There is also a collection of mini hostas which are quite small. Koi pond surrounded with weeping pines and maples. Many plants and shrubs and flowers are thru out the pathways. There is a bench to sit and see the Koi and waterfall. This year we have over 400 hostas all tagged. Bonsai will be displayed on tables or stands in the garden as well. Many different trees both large and small. Garden with lots of unusual plants.
Directions: We are on Sierra Way and the corner Forest Road. About a mile from the Yarmouth Senior Center. If you are coming from 6 it will be old exit 8 on to Station Ave thru 2 lights make right onto Townsend to next traffic light make left we are about 2/12 miles on right.
Flat land Wheelchair or walker friendly. Open for tours: July 11-12 & July 17-18.

Admission: $5 per garden • Event admission may vary • Cash only, day-of at the gardens • All gardens open 10am–4pm unless otherwise noted • Gardens are open only on the days listed •All tours are rain or shine.

Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest Events

Sandwich Arts Alliance Blooming Artisan Fair
Location: Mill Creek Park, 130 Main Street, Sandwich
Across from the Sandwich Arts Alliance in the Historic Town Hall
Saturday, July 18 from 10A.M. to 4P.M.
Discover the vibrant creativity of local Cape Cod artisans. celebrating the beauty of Cape Cod in full bloom! Browse an inspiring collection of original paintings, prints, and handmade jewelry alongside unique beach glass creations, sculptures, pottery, and hydrangea-inspired apparel and gifts.

An Afternoon with Marie Brezinski: Art, Design & Nature Journaling
Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts • 835 Main Street, Osterville, MA 02655 • July 18, 2026 •
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Spend an inspiring afternoon at Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts with local botanical artist Marie Brezinski of East Chop Designs. Explore her coastal-inspired illustrations, textile designs, and nature journaling work through SKETCH Cape Cod, and discover her guidebook COASTAL. A relaxed celebration of art, design, and Cape Cod’s natural beauty.

Osterville Village Day at Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts
Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts • 835 Main Street, Osterville, MA 02655 • July 18, 2026 •
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Celebrate Osterville Village Day in the heart of the village with a visit to Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts. Enjoy a festive day alongside the Cape Cod 5K, arts & crafts festival, and village parade, while exploring local art and coastal-inspired treasures. Meet Certified Botanical Artist Marie Brezinski, enter giveaways, and enjoy 10% off all purchases during your visit.

Hydrangea Fest at Heritage Museums & Gardens
Location: 67 Grove Street, Sandwich
Dates: July 10 – 19 | Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore Heritage’s beautiful grounds featuring eight hydrangea species and more than 170 cultivars. Visit the expanded North American Hydrangea Test Garden and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society Display Garden.

Hydrangea Fest at the Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanties
Locations: 51 Ocean Street – Harbor Overlook, Hyannis
180 Ocean Street – Bismore Park, Hyannis
Dates: July 10 – 19 | Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Enjoy daily hydrangea-themed happenings at the Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanties featuring local artists and waterfront views.

Gardening Consultations to Support Farming Falmouth
Location: Soares Flower Garden Nursery, 1021 Sandwich Road, East Falmouth
Dates: July 11 – 18 | Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meet Terry Soares for a personalized garden consultation. Bring photos, questions, and ideas for improving your landscape.
Cost: $75 (30 minutes) | $125 (1 hour)
All proceeds benefit Farming Falmouth. Participants receive 15% off purchases made the day of their consultation.
Sign up: soaresflowergardennursery.com