Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest Garden Tours: July 15, 2026

BARNSTABLE

Sea Haven Gardens – 122 First Ave, West Hyannisport
Tour benefits Independence House
Tucked away in a private, natural setting alongside the Hyannisport Golf Course, this garden offers a peaceful and inviting landscape that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The plantings emphasize pollinator-friendly species, creating a lively habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. Many of the flowers and hydrangeas throughout the garden have been personally propagated, adding a meaningful, hands-on touch and a sense of continuity to the landscape. You’ll find both oakleaf and bigleaf hydrangeas sprinkled throughout the gardens, mixed with a beautiful variety of annuals & perennials selected for color, structure and texture. Fruit trees are scattered across the garden, including one remarkably old specimen that stands as a living testament to the property’s history and enduring beauty. *Waterview *Pollinator Garden *Dog-Friendly and Walker-Friendly.

Howe Gardens - 1124 Old Stage Road, Centerville
Tour benefits Whelden Memorial Library
Tour Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM
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.

Flat Bottom Bog - 128 Ashley Drive, Centerville
Tour benefits Real Eyes Truth Inc.
Adjacent to an old cranberry bog, Flat Bottom Bog is a secluded botanical oasis cultivated by three generations of family and a group of friends to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs to foster neighborhood connections, provide access to healthy food, and offer physical and mental health benefits. We will also showcase the work of Real Eyes Truth and have a family friendly art activity. Additionally, we will share plants, pottery, metal art, and more for sale or by donation. Directions: The neighborhood is accessed from Old Stage Road via Nottingham Drive. From Nottingham Drive travel .2 miles and take the second right onto Ashley Drive, keep to the right and 128 Ashley Drive is off of the cul-de-sac on the right. Parking: Parking in the cul-de-sac and walk down 300 foot long driveway. Handicap Parking near house Follow signs and bear left. Garden with waterview, lots of hydrangeas, unusual plants, creative ornaments, pollinator garden, dog-friendly, walker friendly. Open for tours: July 15 and July 18.
Real Eyes Truth Inc. Community Mental Health Center and Rowing to Recovery, a rowing club for people challenged with health issues.

BREWSTER

“Valhalla at 499”- 499 Harwich Road, Brewster
Tour benefits the Garden Club of Brewster
A promise for a garden was made, resulting in something between a garden and a philosophy. Deep in overgrown tangle, rescued peonies and daylilies anchor the ‘Paisley Garden’, alongside David Austin roses and daylilies. The ‘Cape Cod Garden’ traces the shape of the peninsula itself. ‘Aaron's Garden’ contains ornamental grasses, evergreens, and Shasta daisies. ‘Heart Garden’ overflows with hosta, astilbes, foxgloves, phlox, and hydrangeas. The large-scale botanical paintings of the resident artist will be on display alongside the living thing that inspired them. Come see the garden. Come see the art. Come see what a promise kept looks like. *Hydrangeas *Pollinator Garden. Open for Tours: July 15 and July 16.
Directions: On Route 124. Accessibility: Accessible.

“Papa’s Garden” - 46 Aarons Way, Brewster
Tour benefits the Garden Club of Brewster
Take advantage of this secluded backyard retreat around the corner from ‘Valhalla at 499’. Twenty-three hydrangeas will greet you as you walk up the gravel driveway of this property hidden from the main road. Lining the perimeter of the entire property is a sea of daylilies, surrounded by a variety of evergreens. You will also find an appealing combination of annuals and perennials throughout the property, with a special hidden vegetable and flower garden known as “Papa’s Garden”. You are sure to enjoy this simple, beautiful, peaceful property! *Pollinator Garden.
Open for Tours: July 15 and July 16. Directions: Route 124 to Aarons Way. Accessibility: Accessible

DENNIS

1 Thirza's Way, Wrinkle Point, West Dennis
Tour benefits West Dennis Garden Club
Please come visit this garden by the sea! The property is surrounded by hydrangea bushes…many of these gardens were planted by the original owner and they still bring much joy to the garden today. Photos of the garden can be found in Joan Harrison’s book Hydrangeas Cape Cod and Beyond. As you stroll through the yad mixed in with the colorful bushes will be other perennials including the Patrick J. Cronin day lilies propagated by the present-day owner’s grandfather. As you journey to the backyard the owner’s small but much-loved English garden springs to view along with a wonderful view of Bass River and beyond. End your visit by sitting on the inviting desk with comfortable rocking chairs or venture down to the dock and enjoy the calm that only the sea can bring. Open for Tours: July 14 and July 15. *Waterview *Lots of Hydrangeas.

168 Uncle Barney’s Road, West Dennis
Tour benefits West Dennis Garden Club
This welcoming garden is located in Wrinkle Point, a beautiful neighborhood located on Bass River in West Dennis. Our yard begins with a beautiful wall of blue/purple hydrangeas. We hope that you will come and visit our recently recreated landscape plan, particularly the new hydrangea gardens which feature Mophead and Lace Cap hydrangeas. *Hydrangeas. Open for Tours: July 14 and July 15.

FALMOUTH

Fun and Creative Garden - 20 Elizabeth Jean Drive, East Falmouth
Tour benefits Belonging to Each Other
An avid gardener and a hobby woodworker have combined their talents in this unique, third-of-an-acre garden. Mixed borders of trees, shrubs and perennials are the staple of the display, with variation in color, scale and texture playing a major role. High shade predominates, providing some opportunity for both sun and shade-loving plants. Multiple varieties of hydrangeas are on display. Potted plants abound, from dwarf evergreens and Japanese maples to annual flower displays. Raised beds provide space for cut flowers and a few vegetables. One of a kind, wood crafted garden ornaments provide complementary garden embellishment, all combining to create a quirky and inspirational experience. Accessibility: Level street and lot; walking on grass and gravel. Pollinator garden with lots of hydrangeas with creative ornaments, dog-friendly, walker friendly.
Open for tours: July 15 & July 16.
Directions: Elizabeth Jean Drive is an eastbound side road off of Davisville Road.
Parking: One side of the road only; please abide by parking signs.

Seasonally Evolving Garden Sanctuary - 95 Cairn Ridge Road, East Falmouth
Tour benefits Falmouth Garden Club
Transformation of this Ballymeade blank-slate property began in 2014 with the goal of creating a garden that transitions with the seasons. Against a backdrop of conservation land and native species, you will find hardscaped stone paths, a patio deck and fountain, lattice trellises, various ornamental pieces and a flagpole to honor veteran owner and marine. Trees include ginkgo, weeping Norway spruce, Japanese Snowball, Steward and Japanese maples. Shrubs include Hydrangeas, Rhodedendrons, Fothergilla, Inkberry, dogwoods, Japanese cedar and Japanese Holly, many varieties of boxwood, andromeda and euonymus. Shade plants include hostas, astilbes, ferns, and grasses. This garden is featured in the Spring 2026 edition of Falmouth Living Magazine. Garden with lots of unusual plants and creative ornaments. Open for tours: July 15 & July 16.
Directions: Route 28 to 151 East toward Mashpee, Right onto Falmouth Woods Rd. (entrance to Ballymeade and Cape Club), take right onto Cairn Ridge Rd. Parking: along Cairn Ridge Road. Accessibility: Discretionary.

A well-nurtured oasis among the trees - 55 Hill and Plain Rd. East Falmouth
Tour benefits Falmouth Garden Club
This property was one of the first homes to be built in Ballymeade and has been lovingly developed and maintained by the original owners for over three decades. Several varieties of well established hydrangeas are planted in multiple sections of the garden. An impressive walkway of large Goshen stone path welcomes you into the front yard. A well planted perennial flower bed lines the walkway that leads to a large deck and koi pond in the back. Following over a wooden bridge and boardwalk you arrive at a stately inground pool area paved with bluestone. Trees include several varieties of Japanese maples and evergreens. This garden includes a large selection of hydrangeas, rhododendrons, hostas, ferns, and thoughtfully coordinated mixed pots throughout. Pollinator garden with lots of hydrangeas. Open for tours: July 15 & July 16.
Directions: Route 28 to 151 East toward Mashpee. Right onto Falmouth Woods Rd. (entrance to Ballymeade and Cape Club), take a left aft Hill and Plain Rd. Parking: along Hill and Plain Rd. Accessibility: Discretionary.

Historic Harbor-front Angelus Bell Tower and Mary’s Garden at St Joseph’s Church - 33 Millfield St, Woods Hole
Tour benefits Falmouth Garden Club and St Joseph’s Parish Admission: $10.
St Joseph’s church is one of the oldest catholic churches on Cape Cod built by parishioners in 1882. The property was donated by Joseph Story Fay in recognition of the Catholic immigrant employees of the Pacific Guano Co. Heirs of Mr. Fay donated the additional land across the street from the church in 1913 and 1918 that became home for the Mary Garden, the Bell Tower, and the Joseph Meditation Garden. The Bell tower and garden were gifted by Frances Crane Lillie, wife of Frank Lillie, a president and director of Marine Biological Laboratory. Mrs. Lillie first came to Woods Hole to study embryology at the MBL in 1894. Her intention was to remind the scientific community across the inlet that nature and spirituality provide another valuable aspect to life. Science by itself, does not provide all the answers that trouble the mind. The Bell Tower was completed in 1929. In 1932 Mrs. Lillie hired Boston landscape architect, Dorothea K. Harrison, to design the garden in tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It took over five years to complete the task. The Mary Garden is approximately 190 by 25 feet and contains 48 plants associated with Our Lady. The Garden opened to the public in 1937. Tour includes church buildings as well as gardens. Garden with water view, unusual plants and creative ornaments. Walker-Friendly. Open for tours: July 15 & July 16.
Directions: Follow MA-28 S, Woods Hole Rd to traffic lights take a right onto Quissett Harbor Rd. Take the first left at the stop sign onto Quissett Ave. Continue 1.6 miles to Millfield St. take a right onto Millfield St. take a right onto Bell Tower Rd to parking lot at the end of the street.
Parking (behind the church), at the end of Bell Tower Lane. Accessibility: Discretionary.

SANDWICH

Sustainable Garden & Home - 3 Summer Street, Sandwich ***OPEN: 10am-2pm
Tour benefits Heritage Museums and Gardens Sustainability Program
Nestled in the heart of the historic village of Sandwich, our garden is designed as both a place of beauty and an act of environmental stewardship. Hydrangeas fill the landscape with soft color and texture, creating a lush Cape Cod feeling while helping shade and cool the soil beneath them. Raised beds overflow with tomatoes, greens, beans, and seasonal vegetables, while pollinator plants, native species, and sustainable practices create a small ecosystem alive with birds, bees, and butterflies. The garden feels both abundant and deeply rooted in place: a Cape Cod landscape where food, beauty, and stewardship grow together. We work with nature rather than against it — enriching the soil naturally, supporting pollinators, conserving water, and blending hydrangeas with native and climate-adapted plants. The garden is meant to feel welcoming and abundant while quietly reflecting the idea that sustainability can be graceful, local, and deeply rooted in place. This garden and home demonstrate sustainability, zero carbon emissions, a pollinator haven, and lots of hydrangea. Wheelchair friendly. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Directions: Summer Street is off of Main Street in Sandwich. Walk down the driveway to enter the garden. Parking: Park on Main Street and walk in a half block down Summer Street.

Hidden Garden - 9 Summer Street, Sandwich
Tour benefits Green Briar Nature Center
A garden full of charm with a layout that understands display. Fondly known as the Hedge House, this garden is set in the quaint village of Sandwich. Dahlias of many shades, layers of morning glories, an old grapevine shading the pergola... Many different perennials and annuals will be blooming, as well as several examples of hydrangeas in shades of pink to blue to deep purple. Hydrangea highlights - Abracadabra, Mop Heads, Smoke Bush and others. Combining form and function, the kitchen garden is a display ready for summertime eating. From the street the charm and blooms are secluded, hidden behind a tall privet hedge making this a secret stop along the tour garden and an absolute favorite. Directions: Summer St. is a narrow lane, so it is best to park on one of the streets around the block: Main St., Jarves St., or Pleasant St., and walk to #9 Summer St.

Winning Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden
Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Rd, East Sandwich
The Shirley Cross Wildflower Garden and the gardens of the Historic Jam Kitchen will be a tour delight. A nest in nature, the gardens of Green Briar are a place to pause and appreciate the beauty of flowers in a unique setting. From shade to sun, from damp to dry, many floral examples will be blooming- lobelia, thermopsis, baptisia, oh my! Favorites of hummingbirds and butterflies, endangered and rare, plentiful and seedy, visit and learn about wildflowers. Tours of the Wildflower Garden will be ongoing throughout the day. Many hydrangeas will be in bloom, and the gorgeous garden beds of the Jam Kitchen will delight. The Mercantile will be open, offering a selection of local and homemade jams and jellies, as well as Thornton Burgess Gallery. Facilities are available and accessible. Pollinator garden with unusual plants, dog-friendly and wheelchair/walker friendly.
Directions: Off of 6A / Old Kings Hwy, turn onto Discovery Hill Rd. Green Briar sign on 6A.

YARMOUTH

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, well-behaved dogs on a leash allowed.Open for Tours: July 14-16.

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

An Evening with the Garden Experts
Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Location: Heritage Museums & Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich
Enjoy an inspiring early evening of conversation and expert insight with a distinguished panel of garden professionals. Moderated by Mal Condon, Curator of Hydrangeas at Heritage, the discussion features Jack Aldridge of the Royal Horticultural Society, hydrangea grower and hybridizer Murray Buckner, and author and garden communicator C.L. Fornari.
Tickets: heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

Creating a Thriving Container Garden Workshops with Brigitte Hartmann
Date: July 15–16, 2026 (Rain or shine)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 1020 Samoset Road, Eastham
Learn the secrets to successful container gardening with gardener Brigitte Hartmann. This hands-on workshop explores soil systems, plant selection, spacing, and timing—including tips on Hugelkultur and even gardening with moon phases.
Cost: $40 per session (pre-registration required; space limited)
Register: EasthamGardenTour.org

Hydrangea How-To: Facts, Fallacies & Fabulous Blooms with Natalie Carmolli
Location: Highfield Hall & Gardens, 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth
Date: July 15 | Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Price: $10 Members | $15 Nonmembers
Learn the facts and myths of hydrangea care, tips for growing popular varieties, and highlights from the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® collection. Participants will leave with practical advice and gardening goodies.
Tickets: highfieldhallandgardens.org

The Endless Summer Soirée at The West End
Presented by Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts
Location: The West End, 20 Scudder Ave, Hyannis
Date: July 15 | Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Cost: $125 per person
Celebrate the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival with Cape-inspired cuisine, wine and craft beer, a signature hydrangea cocktail, and live music by the Bart Weisman Smooth Jazz Group. Dress in hydrangea-inspired colors and enjoy an elegant summer evening.
Register: hydrangeagallery.com/events

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