A Day of Garden Delights: Enjoy Visits to Three Private New Haven County Oases on Saturday

Press release

Hamden, CT — Gardening enthusiasts in Connecticut are in for a treat on Saturday, June 28 as three hidden oases—some of the finest gardens in the area—will be open to the public for one day only as part of the Garden Conservancy Open Days program. The gardens are:

The Miller Gardens (Branford). These gardens offer a tranquil and private sanctuary on a one-acre property. With exceptional water features and diverse landscapes, this unique garden earned the 2017 CT Federated Garden Club Award. Starting from a blank slate in 2009, the homeowners meticulously planted and maintained sixteen distinct landscapes. Initially aiming to reduce street noise and enhance privacy, their efforts evolved into a haven of layered evergreens, shrubs, and perennials. The gardens, designed to amplify the soothing sounds of water, attract birds and pollinators, reflecting the Millers' commitment to a safe and chemical-free environment.

My Folly (Hamden). Purchased 14 years ago as a retirement home, this one-acre property has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a mid-century landscape of mostly lawn and dated plantings now boasts a vibrant, redesigned garden. The front garden received a facelift, including a new water feature, while evergreen trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas were added for privacy. The backyard features a large, enclosed "room" with flowing shrubs, vines, and perennials, along with a pollinator island, pavilion, and pergola. The ongoing removal of lawn continues to expand the garden's diverse and colorful plantings, reflecting the owner's passion for horticulture.

Woodland Ridge (Hamden). This half-acre woodland shade garden, enhanced by mature trees, offers a park-like ambiance. Eight years ago, the master gardener began transforming the property by unifying unfinished beds and removing turf. A low stone wall, completed five years ago, now separates shade beds and a stone fire pit, creating restful garden rooms. Stone steps lead to a series of beds filled with primarily native, shade-loving plants, culminating in a "bird corner" with winterberry, viburnum, and Cornus. All flowers and shrubs support pollinators, and the garden is a pesticide-free zone. While evergreens and a magnolia welcome visitors, the garden's true magic lies in the back.

The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for registered guests. Tickets are $10 per person; $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All registrations must be processed online through the Garden Conservancy's website. Visit gardenconservancy.org/opendays.

Fueling America’s passion for gardens, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days™ program is the only nationwide garden visiting program. In 2025, Open Days marks its 30th year. Over three decades, Open Days has welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors into thousands of inspired private landscapes—from urban rooftops to organic farms, historic estates to suburban sanctuaries—in 41 states.