Celebrate spring with a visit to Berkshire Botanical Garden. The garden’s 88th outdoor season kicks off on May 1st with the annual return of Roy Boutard Day, a free day of tours, workshops, treats, and other special surprises.
After a long grey winter, there’s nothing like the sight of bright, spring blossoms to lift your heart and lighten your mood. We recommend a visit to Berkshire Botanical Garden, less than 10 minutes away from our Berkshire bed and breakfast, The Inn at Stockbridge.
The 24 acre Garden was founded in 1934, making its public display gardens some of the oldest in the Northeast. The collection focuses primarily on plants native to the area, along with those compatible with Zone 5b. Visitors will find dozens of display areas to explore and enjoy. Herb gardens, rose gardens, hosta garden, topiary, ponds, greenhouses, an arboretum, and much more.
The Berkshire Botanical Garden outdoor season runs from May 1st through October 31st, with classes, exhibits, and other special events offered year-round.
It all kicks off on the first Sunday of May, every year, with Roy Boutard Day.
Roy Boutard Day – May 1st, 2022
Roy Boutard was a Swedish horticulturist who served as the Garden’s executive director from 1955 to 1985. This remarkable man’s dedication and influence was so great that they named opening day of the outdoor season in honor of him.
The event sees a day of free admission to the gardens to take in all the freshly blossoming bulbs and trees. There will be a garden tour, children’s activities, and the Visitor Center gift shop will be open. The day also sees the Horticulture Certificate Program graduation, followed by a reception with herb-infused cookies and Mai Bowle, a May wine punch. Yum!
“Shimmer” will be on display in the Leonhardt Galleries. This art exhibit, curated by Sue Muskat and Phil Knoll, features drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures by 38 different artists.
Roy Boutard Day is only one of numerous special events and hosted here throughout the year. Some of the biggest events include the annual Plant Sale, Grow Show, the Holiday Marketplace, and the Harvest Festival. In fact, the annual Harvest Festival, first held in 1935, has become one of the most popular, end-of-season gatherings in the Berkshires!
Berkshire Botanical Garden 2022 Event Schedule
Roy Boutard Day – May 1 – all day
A free event celebrating the start of the Berkshire Botanical Garden season.
Plant Sale – May 6-7, 9am to 5pm
Hundreds of perennials, annuals and vegetables curated by the Garden’s horticulture staff.
Fête des Fleurs – July 2, 5pm to 8pm
A gala garden party with refreshments, live entertainment, and some fun surprises.
Grow Show – August 20 and 21
Beautiful floral arrangements, peak summer harvest, and nearly 80 design and horticulture classes in the Exhibition Hall.
Harvest Festival – October 8-9, 10am to 5pm
Live music, local food trucks and breweries, and outdoor events celebrating the return of harvest season.
Holiday Marketplace – December 2-4, 10am to 4pm
Designer wreaths, blooming plants, children’s activities, live music, s’mores, and more. Holiday fun!
Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge, MA, just minutes away from our Berkshires inn.
In fact, we, too have beautifully landscaped grounds you can explore. Our large garden is full of bright flowers as well as fruits, vegetables, and herbs used in our home-cooked breakfasts. Guests can stroll the garden, relax in the quiet garden grotto, and enjoy a picnic on the lawn or one of the nearby porches. So relaxing!
Visit www.berkshirebotanical.org for more information. You can also find Berkshire Botanical Garden on Facebook.