Come mid-June, nothing showcases our shore towns like flowers. Gardens overflow with summer flowers, plantings hit their stride, and communities all over SE Connecticut and SW Rhode Island have reasons to get outside and celebrate summer. This weekend there are three different ways to enjoy that bloom – whether you’re into gardening, art, history or just a couple hours outdoors getting inspired.
Private gardens by the water in Stonington Borough, a festive lunch on the grounds of one of Connecticut’s favorite museums, and an art-meets-flower exhibition in downtown Westerly. From private gardens to public festivals, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the flowers, scenery, and ingenuity of our region this weekend.
Gardens by the Sea in the Stonington Borough
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Secreted behind historic residences and tucked along quiet waterfront streets, some of Stonington Borough’s loveliest private gardens will open their doors to the public during this self-guided walking tour. Visitors will enjoy everything from formal seaside gardens to rambling cottage-style gardens while strolling through this quaint shoreline town and enjoying fabulous waterfront views. Plein air painters at work and a garden market provide even more reasons to stay.
Florence Griswold Museum Annual Garden Luncheon
Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Every year, Garden Club Members and Museum Patrons assemble on the Florence Griswold Museum’s riverside campus for a fashionable garden luncheon complete with seasonal color, fabulous food, and lively entertainment. Attendees enjoy a garden-themed lunch under a tent, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and a guest speaker, and learn how their purchases support the restoration and maintenance of the museum’s gardens and grounds. It’s one of the region’s most colorful parties of the season.
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly presents Art in Bloom
Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fine art and flowers combine in this month-long exhibit featuring original works of art and flower arrangements created by the members of the Ocean Community YMCA Garden Club. Showcasing the work of Kristie Foss, Karen Piazza, and the Ninigret Quilters, the gallery will burst with color, creativity, and Mother Nature’s finest treasures. You’ll love it whether you’re a gardener or an artist.
Whether you like strolling through private gardens, enjoying a celebratory luncheon, or seeing flowers expressed through the arts, it’s one of those weekends when the coast just wants to flaunt itself. Grab a camera, slip on some comfortable shoes, and ready yourself for a little time amongst the blooming things.
Last modified: June 10, 2026
