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BEDROCK GARDENS
Bedrock Gardens is a nonprofit public garden that integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 30-acre site has recently transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of horticulture, art, and inspiration.
Bedrock Gardens is a nonprofit public garden that integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 30-acre site has recently transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of horticulture, art, and inspiration.
We are open Tuesday thru Friday and the first and third weekends of the month.
Jill Nooney has written a new book on the garden called "Bedrock: The Making of a Public Garden" . See a short fun promo trailer HERE. Details and ordering information HERE.
For a very short very cute TikTok we just made, click HERE.
Other exciting things are happening: a new audio tour of the garden art (see more HERE), in addition to our new roster of education programs, our annual program with the Caterpillar Lab, and our ninth Fairy Hobbit House Festival (now in July for your convenience).
See you in the garden!
For a very short very cute TikTok we just made, click HERE.
Other exciting things are happening: a new audio tour of the garden art (see more HERE), in addition to our new roster of education programs, our annual program with the Caterpillar Lab, and our ninth Fairy Hobbit House Festival (now in July for your convenience).
See you in the garden!
Upcoming Events
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The Caterpillar Lab, June 7-8 A perennial family favorite! Bring the whole family to see live caterpillar displays and watch them under microscopes! 
A Rare and Unusual Plant Sale and Summer Solstice Celebration, June 21
Shop these hard-to-find plants grown by specialty nurseries from across New England. 
NEW DATES! The 9th Annual Fairy and Hobbit House Festival, July 18, 19, 20
Bring your friends and family for some outdoor fun with a touch of magic. A three-day festival in our enchanted woodlands. Learn more and get tickets! |
An Oasis of Horticulture, Art and Inspiration
Plan Your Garden VisitJoin one of our daily tours or discover the gardens on your own. No reservation required.
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Educational ProgramsWhether you're young, old, or somewhere in between, we offer classes for all gardening levels.
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Become A MemberAnd enjoy the gardens, exclusive perks and show your support for Bedrock Gardens.
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What's In Bloom
Click on image to see more. Click here to see library.
Gothic Arbor
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Woodland Peony
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Shredded Umbrella Plant
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Himalayan Mayapple
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posted May 22, 2025
Special Thanks to Our Lead Season Sponsor:
And Our Lead Community & Business Partners:
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Test
Giant Solomon’s Seal
Giant Solomon’s Seal; Smooth Solomon’s Seal
(Polygonatum biflorum)
A native woodland perennial found throughout eastern North America and Canada, giant Solomon’s seal’s common name is supposedly based on the resemblance of its root scars to the seal of the ancient King Solomon. It is usually about 3’ tall but can grow larger. Dangling clusters of edible bell-shaped white and green flowers hang from the stalk, blooming March-June. Its potato-like rhizomes were used as a food source by Native Americans and young shoots are also eaten, similar to asparagus spears. Giant Solomon’s Seal has also been extensively used as an herbal medicine. Caution should always be observed when eating wild plants; giant Solomon’s seal has a similar-looking cousin, false Solomon’s seal or Solomon’s plume (Maianthemem racemosum) that is highly bitter and largely unpalatable. The two species are most easily distinguished by their flowers. False Solomon’s seal in turn closely resembles a different highly toxic plant. At Bedrock Gardens, stands of giant Solomon’s seal can be found in the Spiral (#11), Swaleway (#12) and Funnel (#13) gardens.
(Polygonatum biflorum)
A native woodland perennial found throughout eastern North America and Canada, giant Solomon’s seal’s common name is supposedly based on the resemblance of its root scars to the seal of the ancient King Solomon. It is usually about 3’ tall but can grow larger. Dangling clusters of edible bell-shaped white and green flowers hang from the stalk, blooming March-June. Its potato-like rhizomes were used as a food source by Native Americans and young shoots are also eaten, similar to asparagus spears. Giant Solomon’s Seal has also been extensively used as an herbal medicine. Caution should always be observed when eating wild plants; giant Solomon’s seal has a similar-looking cousin, false Solomon’s seal or Solomon’s plume (Maianthemem racemosum) that is highly bitter and largely unpalatable. The two species are most easily distinguished by their flowers. False Solomon’s seal in turn closely resembles a different highly toxic plant. At Bedrock Gardens, stands of giant Solomon’s seal can be found in the Spiral (#11), Swaleway (#12) and Funnel (#13) gardens.
Woodland Peony
Woodland Peony
(Paeonia obovata)
Native to China, Japan, and Korea, this species is a peony that lives in shady environments, unlike virtually all other peonies. Its lovely delicate white (or pink) flowers bloom in May-June and are followed in the fall by showy jester-hat shaped seedpods that burst open to reveal blue-black seeds nestled on a magenta interior. The seedpods add much interest to a woodland garden at a time when blooms are becoming scarce. At Bedrock Gardens, broad swaths of woodland peonies can be found in the Swaleway (#12) and Funnel (#13) gardens.
(Paeonia obovata)
Native to China, Japan, and Korea, this species is a peony that lives in shady environments, unlike virtually all other peonies. Its lovely delicate white (or pink) flowers bloom in May-June and are followed in the fall by showy jester-hat shaped seedpods that burst open to reveal blue-black seeds nestled on a magenta interior. The seedpods add much interest to a woodland garden at a time when blooms are becoming scarce. At Bedrock Gardens, broad swaths of woodland peonies can be found in the Swaleway (#12) and Funnel (#13) gardens.
Himalayan Mayapple
Sinopodophyllum hexandrum)
The Himalayan mayapple is one of 3 mayapple species at Bedrock Gardens. Along with the others, our native mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and the Chinese mayapple (Podophyllum pleianthum), it shares a preference for shady moist soils. All 3 flower in the late spring and produce a relatively large egg-shaped fruit that ripens in the summer, but fruit color varies between the species as does flower and leaf coloration. Although our native mayapple goes dormant and disappears in the summer, the 2 Asian species do not and continue growth. All 3 spread by underground rhizomes and can form substantial colonies. Mayapples produce a toxin (podophyllotoxin) which can irritate the skin and share a history of medicinal use by native populations. Although the leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous if eaten in large amounts, the fruit of the American mayapple can be made into jelly when ripe. At Bedrock Gardens, Himalayan and Chinese mayapples can be found primarily in the Funnel (#13) and Swaleway (#12) gardens. American mayapples also grow in these areas, as well as in the Shrubaria (#26) and throughout Bedrock’s woodlands.
The Himalayan mayapple is one of 3 mayapple species at Bedrock Gardens. Along with the others, our native mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and the Chinese mayapple (Podophyllum pleianthum), it shares a preference for shady moist soils. All 3 flower in the late spring and produce a relatively large egg-shaped fruit that ripens in the summer, but fruit color varies between the species as does flower and leaf coloration. Although our native mayapple goes dormant and disappears in the summer, the 2 Asian species do not and continue growth. All 3 spread by underground rhizomes and can form substantial colonies. Mayapples produce a toxin (podophyllotoxin) which can irritate the skin and share a history of medicinal use by native populations. Although the leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous if eaten in large amounts, the fruit of the American mayapple can be made into jelly when ripe. At Bedrock Gardens, Himalayan and Chinese mayapples can be found primarily in the Funnel (#13) and Swaleway (#12) gardens. American mayapples also grow in these areas, as well as in the Shrubaria (#26) and throughout Bedrock’s woodlands.
Japanese Primrose
(Primula japonica)
Sometimes called the candelabra primrose, this beautiful perennial produces blooms in whorls along its flower stalk as the stalk grows from a basal cluster of crinkled leaves . Each stalk can carry as many as 5 or 6 rings of flowers and reach 18” high. It is happiest in moist shady areas and blooms in shades of white, purple, pink, and magenta in May-June. It attracts a variety of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds and will self-sow if happy. A mass of Japanese primroses in bloom is truly a memorable sight and brings bright color to shady areas. At Bedrock Gardens, Japanese primroses can be found in the Tea House and Petit Pond (#27) garden as well as in the Swaleway (#12) garden.
Sometimes called the candelabra primrose, this beautiful perennial produces blooms in whorls along its flower stalk as the stalk grows from a basal cluster of crinkled leaves . Each stalk can carry as many as 5 or 6 rings of flowers and reach 18” high. It is happiest in moist shady areas and blooms in shades of white, purple, pink, and magenta in May-June. It attracts a variety of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds and will self-sow if happy. A mass of Japanese primroses in bloom is truly a memorable sight and brings bright color to shady areas. At Bedrock Gardens, Japanese primroses can be found in the Tea House and Petit Pond (#27) garden as well as in the Swaleway (#12) garden.
"...one of the most beautiful and intriguing
landscapes in New Hampshire."
- Boston Globe
landscapes in New Hampshire."
- Boston Globe
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