Nestled in the northwestern part of the state lies a unique family-owned nursery that has been in operation for more than 50 years.
White Flower Farm is just over three miles from the center of Litchfield, in Morris, and offers myriad perennials, annuals, shrubs, bulbs, as well as advice and gardening tools. Although the nursery operates mainly as a mail-order company, it is open to the public and boasts roughly 5 acres of display gardens and a retail store on the property.
What began as a country home in the 1930s for two writers, William Harris and Jane Grant, evolved into a gardening passion for the couple, and eventually the nursery it has become today. The nursery got its name from an early all-white garden that reflected the light of the moon. The Moon Garden, which has white wisterias, is still on the property and can be viewed.
Nursery Manager Barb Pierson said among the many stops recommended for visitors is the Begonia House, with its one-of-a-kind display of flowers at their peak from July to September. The Lloyd Border is also a spot that should not be missed on the property, where visitors can view garden combinations over the course of the 280-foot-long border. Pierson said the theme is based on the gardens at the Great Dixter in London, and was designed by Fergus Garrett, who was the head gardener there. The attraction is named after Christopher Lloyd, who was a garden writer and planter.
“It is constantly in bloom and looking different,” Pierson said. “Anytime you come it’s going to look different.”
Among the other places of interest at the nursery are the tree peony grove and the Siberian Irises. There is also an adjacent shade garden on display.
And, listed as the final stop on the walking guide, available in the media gallery, is the retail store. Although most customers order their plants from either the spring, fall or holiday catalogs, many of the same plants are available at the store. Pierson said the starter plants that begin growing in the green houses are replanted into bigger pots and sold at the store, along with other gardening tools, supplies, books, horticultural gifts and house plants.
Check the nursery’s events tab for details on upcoming events.
For those looking to visit the nursery as part of a day trip, Pierson recommends that visitors also consider these other attractions in the area: the White Memorial Conservation Center, the Haight-Brown Vineyard and the plentiful restaurants on the Litchfield town green.
“The whole area has a lot to offer,” said Pierson. “Litchfield is a destination, for sure.”
Pierson said the nursery also offers guided tours for a fee. More information is available by calling the nursery at 1-800-503-9624.
White Flower Farm is located at 167 Litchfield Rd., Morris, CT 06763, just 3.5 miles from Litchfield center. The nursery is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyday from April to October. Parking is available by the visitor's center, adjacent to the main entrance. More information is available on theirwebsite or on their Facebook page.
