Garden Day

Woodstock Garden Day - August 17

 

Explore three stunning gardens in sites across Woodstock. Discover the shared story between Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Billings Farm & Museum, and the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s Kelly Way Gardens. The three sites will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of Laurance S. Rockefeller, a visionary whose passion for conservation, sustainability, and heritage has left a profound and lasting impact on Woodstock and the entire region.

Enjoy garden tours, live music, crafts, and activities for all ages across these three locations. Experience a diverse array of gardens, each with its own unique purpose.

At Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, activies will take place 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gardens reflect generations of stewardship and park rangers will guide tours of the Four Square Garden, Waterfall Garden, and Mary Rockefeller’s Cutting Garden. At the National Park, all programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome. The 2024 schedule of programs for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park can be found below. Click here to view schedule of events for all of Woodstock Garden Day, including scheduled events at Billings Farm & Museum and Kelly Way Gardens.

 

Yoga on the Rose Garden lawn

NPS Photo / McKenna

Scheduled Activities

Unless otherwise noted, all ranger talks will begin at the Tours Start Here sign at the entrance to the formal gardens, behind the Mansion.

Yoga on the Rose Garden Lawn | 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Join Ranger and yoga teacher, Jen Jackson for a gentle yoga practice in the Rose Garden. Practice will be low and slow (no standing postures), with a focus on calming the nervous system through mindful movement and simple breath exercises, while connecting with the natural world. Pre-registration is not required. Students are encouraged to bring their own mats and props, though the park does have a limited supply for visitors to borrow.

Introduction to the Gardens | 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Take an overview of the historic garden landscape with Ranger Marguerite and discover a world of stories behind the generations of women who took care of the land.

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will play live music on the Mansion Lawn. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic, or stroll the gardens while you enjoy the music.

Morning Meditation Hike | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join Ranger and yoga and meditation teacher Jen Jackson for an hour-long silent hike through the formal gardens, fernery and lily pond. Find a sense of calm and connection with the natural world as Jen leads you through a variety of meditations including sensory integration, mindful breath work, and a loving-kindness meditation. The hike will include several sets of stone steps and a small elevation gain. Participants will be asked to sit on the ground and may bring a towel or small blanket for support. Participants will be asked to refrain from speaking for the entirety of the hike and will be required to turn cell phones off. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended.

Native Pollinator Talk | 11:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Explore the gardens and discover the amazing world of pollinators with Ranger Jen as your guide.

Mint Ice Cream | 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Available while supplies last, courtesy of the Billings Farm & Museum.

Mansion Open House | 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A ranger will be stationed outside the Mansion providing introductory talks and assigning entry times. There will also be a ranger inside to answer questions. Visitors enter through the front of the home and exit through the back into the garden. Six people may enter the home at a time. No reservations are required, but we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

Introduction to the Gardens | 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Take an overview of the historic garden landscape with Ranger Marguerite and discover a world of stories behind the generations of women who took care of the land.

Fernery Walk | 2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Walk through Elizabeth Billings' historic fernery and Waterfall Garden with Ranger Rachael and learn about the remarkable women who contributed to the estate's development.

 

Create-A-Bouquet station at Garden Day 2023

NPS Photo / McKenna

All Day Activities | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Create-A-Bouquet | Cutting Garden

Create your own bouquet of flowers from Mary Rockefeller's Cutting Garden with the help of garden staff and volunteers. Available while supplies last.

Historic Putting Green | Cutting Garden

Sharpen your golf game like a Rockefeller on the historic putting green.

Artist-in-Residence Demonstrations | Garden Lawn

Meet 2024 Artists-in-Residence Amy Fortier and Christine Tyler Hill.

"Trash" Flowers | Garden Lawn

Create flowers from recycled materials with the help of our Student Artists-in-Residence.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks | Garden Lawn

Make a bookmark to take home from pressed flowers from the Cutting Garden.

Historic Herbarium Print Making | Garden Lawn

Learn about the historic herbaria created by Elizabeth Billings' and Elsie May Kittredge. Press flowers and make your own modern version!

Native Plant Potting | Garden Lawn

Pot native plants in terracotta pots to take home with starters provided by the Native Plant Trust with the help of students from the Woodstock Union High School C.R.A.F.T. program. Available while supplies last.

Play in the Park | Mansion and Garden Lawns

Enjoy lawn games on the Mansion lawn and porch. Play classic games like croquet, bocce ball, and checkers, or modern twists like Giant Jenga!