Hollister House Garden – A Place to Seek Inspiration

Almost a half-century in the making, Hollister House Garden is a horticultural haven filled with lessons on adapting to the New England landscape for experienced and amateur gardeners alike. And it also provides a memorable experience for those simply looking to spend a day in a romantic setting and to enjoy the countryside.

Great gardens are not simply the product of good gardeners, but are a synthesis of history and inspiration, design philosophies, plant expertise, and the passage of time that allows all the elements of the landscape to evolve into a singular entity. At Hollister House Garden in Washington, Connecticut, its creator George Schoellkopf has worked for almost half a century to refine and develop the landscape into something that not only is appropriate to the site – and a complement to the 18th century house that is at its center, but that also connects to his passion for the gardening style of early twentieth century Britain.

Visiting the Garden

Since opening to the public in 2005 the garden has evolved from a private residence to being the headquarters of a nonprofit organization that welcomes over 6,000 visitors a year with the mission of the preservation of the garden for the enjoyment and education of gardeners and garden lovers. In 2017 an 18^th century barn on the property was restored as an education center that has become the site of lectures, workshops and social events.

Visiting Hours

Hollister House Garden is open for the 2025 season from April 16 to October 11, 2025.
Visiting hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4 and Saturdays from 10-4. Admission $10 per person.

Events and Classes

Throughout the season, Hollister House Garden hosts many events of interest.  Educational programs include a series of garden lectures (Barn Talks), art workshops, and events that range from flower arranging, photography and botanical painting to horticulture, vegetable growing and garden design which can be viewed and enrolled in online. For more information and reservations visit the website at hollisterhousegarden.org/events.

Hollister House Garden also sponsors Evenings in the Garden on select Fridays in June, July, and August. These evenings give visitors a chance to savor the beauty of the garden as the sun fades while enjoying a glass of wine in the company of friends and neighbors.

Since 2008 the organization has hosted its signature educational event, Garden Study Weekend. The event, held the weekend after Labor Day, brings together some of the most important voices at work today in the fields of horticulture and garden design for a day-long symposium.  A festive Garden Party follows the symposium, and a tour of extraordinary private gardens completes the weekend. More information about this year’s event will be available at hollisterhousegarden.org.

This article was originally published in Home & Garden CT-NY.

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Learn more

Hollister House Garden
300 Nettleton Hollow Road
Washington, CT 06793

Visit hollisterhousegarden.org to learn more and view upcoming events.