If you’re looking for the best time to explore the blooming gardens of Cape Cod, the Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival weekend is it! This festival is held annually all across the Cape to celebrate the region’s signature flower, the hydrangea, which comes in beautiful shades of blue, pink, and white. Take your pick of the multitude of garden tours, from Provincetown to Woods Hole, held throughout this fantastic 10-day festival.
The Garden Tours
The main attractions are the daily tours of private gardens provided by charming homeowners across the Cape. In 2022 over 70 private gardens were featured in the festival. Besides the care and passion these gardeners exude, every home and garden is different. Some boast massive gardens, while others are niche and eclectic. You never really know what to expect, but no matter which gardens you visit, you’ll be in awe of these gorgeous flowers and might even learn something new.
The gardens are open for touring from 10am-4pm unless otherwise specified, and attendance at each is $5, paid in cash when you arrive. A large portion of these proceeds go to local non-profits, such as the local libraries, so you can feel good about supporting the community in addition to taking in the sights.
The Workshops
Some of the more extensive and well-known gardens included in the festival are the Cape Code Hydrangea Society’s Display Garden, the North American Hydrangea Test Garden, and the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, where you can learn about eight different species of hydrangeas. The latter is also one of the top locations for workshops and lectures presented by leading international horticulturalists during the festival. For instance, you can join a class taught by Mal Condon, the curator, to learn about proper hydrangea pruning techniques. You may also get to observe some focused and inspired “Plein Air” artists painting at some of these gardens during the tours.
Many other workshops and lectures are presented across the Cape during this time. For example, you can learn about the best companion plantings for hydrangeas or how to identify and care for these plants correctly. You can even take some of these beautiful flowers home with you, as there is an abundance of promotions at nurseries and home centers during the festival as well as plant sales at some of the gardens.
The Captain’s House Inn Gardens
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay for the festival, look no further than our beloved Captain’s House Inn. We’re located in Chatham, equidistant from Woods Hole and Provincetown, making it the perfect home base if you’d like to have easy access to all of the gardens featured in the festival. Plus, you don’t have to go far to enjoy gardens considering our Inn is home to 2 acres of beautifully landscaped English gardens, complete with high-tea and other intriguing amenities.
Are you ready to see the festival in full bloom? The annual Cape Code Hydrangea Festival awaits. Check availability today and treat yourself to a luxurious Cape Code hydrangea experience. We hope to see you soon!
