By Cape Cod Travel Guide Staff on
You’ll never regret taking the scenic route on Cape Cod, and the private gardens of the 10th Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest are a gorgeous reason to step off the beaten path.
As summer approaches, gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike are gearing up for the milestone celebration of the tenth annual garden festival, set to take place in 2024 from July 5-14. Not just a celebration for the region’s signature bloom, the genus hydrangea, this event celebrates exquisite flowers, plants and gardens of all kinds across the Cape.
Here is a mini guide to the festival highlights.
Garden Tours
This ten-day festival's main attractions are the daily tours of private gardens, each designed and maintained by the individual homeowners and carrying a unique charm. You are sure to enjoy such eclectic spaces, not to mention the good feeling of supporting a variety of local nonprofits, which will benefit from the proceeds of each tour. This year’s festival features 90+ private gardens, from Falmouth to Eastham. Garden tours are $5 per person per garden, and each garden is open from 10 am to 4 pm (on the days specified). Be on the lookout for local Plain Air Artists painting in the gardens, and plan for such events as an Art Tour (July 12) in the tranquil Sculpture Garden at the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis and a Sandwich Arts Alliance Hydrangea Festival Historic Walking Tour (July 10) in Sandwich.
Learn from the best
Visit the exquisite grounds of in Sandwich. When you visit, pick up or download a self-guided tour through the grounds to discover more about Heritage’s eight species of hydrangeas and over 170 exceptional cultivars. Additionally, the Annual Hydrangea University (July 8), hosted by the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, promises enlightening sessions for enthusiasts of all levels.
Themed promotions
Peruse hydrangea-inspired artwork, jewelry, clothing and handbags from local artisans at the Hyannis HyArts Artists Shanties. Get inspired by The Blue Bash (July 10), a curated marketplace of hydrangea- and other coastal-inspired art and artisans at the Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth. Check out garden-inspired creations by local artists at an Artisans Faire (July 13) at Soares Flower Garden Nursery in Falmouth. Continue the festivities with Hydrangea Art Soiree (July 13), hosted by Cape Cod Art Center.
Ask the experts
Delve into the world of hydrangeas with expert-led discussions and workshops scattered throughout the festival. From Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, Hyannis Country Garden and Beacon Gardens in Osterville, enthusiasts can glean insights on breeding advancements, cultivation techniques, and creative arrangements from industry luminaries. On July 6,spend An Afternoon in the Hydrangeas as Natalie Carmolli from Proven Winners ColorChoice and @GrowforMeGardening content creators Eric and Christopher Feml-Nelsen, as they present their favorite plant choices from the Hyannis Country Garden assortment. With three green industry experts on hand; you’re sure to leave with some great gardening ideas. On July 11, enjoy a talk and book signing with Joan Harrison, author of "The Colorful World of Hydrangeas", at Beacon Gardens in Osterville. And if you’ve got stubborn blooms or hydrangea headaches, Jennifer Floyd of Ponderosa Garden Center Plant in Eastham is ready to share expert tips, also on July 11.
Art Classes
For those with a penchant for artistic expression, the festival offers a variety of art classes catering to different mediums and skill levels. Whether it's a Hydrangea Paint Night or a Creative Hydrangea Photography session, participants can unleash their creativity under the guidance of seasoned instructors. Among them are painting workshops with well-known artist Jenny Faw at her home on Little Creek Farm in Eastham, and the opportunity tocreate a one-of-a-kind personalized terracotta flowerpot with instructor Sharon Hunt on July 8 and 12 at the Sandwich Arts Alliance Center in Sandwich.
Kick Off the Festival with a Bang (or Bloom)
Mingle with other gardeners and those that appreciate them at the Celebratory Opening Night Party at Hyannis Country Garden (July 5). It’s free to attend and open to the public!
More Info: For a full list of events and garden tours, visit CapeCodHydrangeaFest.com
Follow Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival on Facebook and Instagram. Tag us using @CapeCodHydrangeaFest in all your garden tour adventures to be featured!
Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is sponsored by Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Monrovia Plants, Proven Winners, Bloomin' Easy, Star Roses & Plants, First Editions® Shrubs & Trees, Ailie, Hyannis Country Garden, Floor & Décor and Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts.
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