May 4, 2025

Cricket Hill Garden

Nestled in Thomaston, Cricket Hill Garden is a specialty nursery known for its rare and unusual plants—most notably its renowned collection of peonies. Founded over 30 years ago by Kasha and David Furman, and now run by Kasha and her son Daniel, the nursery has grown into a beloved destination for gardeners across the region. Their organically grown selection includes tree peonies, hardy fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs.

1. Tell us about Cricket Hill Garden.
We’re a second-generation family nursery, growing rare and unusual plants for over 30 years. We began in the early 1990s as specialists in Chinese tree peonies, and over time expanded our offerings to include hardy fruit trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs. We grow and propagate almost everything on-site, and our potted plants are ready for spring planting.

2. How did the business get started?
My parents, Kasha and David Furman, moved to Litchfield County in the late 1980s seeking a quieter life to raise their family. With backgrounds in graphic design and advertising, they shared a passion for gardening and began exploring small-scale agriculture. Eventually, they discovered a niche importing and growing tree peonies from China. David had long been fascinated with these iconic Chinese plants. Today, we grow more than ever—and everything is propagated right here in Thomaston. We ship nationwide each fall.

3. What makes Cricket Hill unique?
We offer plants you won’t find at big box stores or typical garden centers. Since we propagate most of what we sell, customers can take home the same unique varieties that thrive in our own gardens. We truly love what we grow and want to inspire others with our curated selection of resilient, beautiful plants.

4. What’s your planting philosophy?
Start with your soil and location. Good drainage and adequate sunlight are key—few plants thrive in wet soil, so we often recommend raised beds. We’ve always grown organically, avoiding pesticides and herbicides. Instead, we use compost, natural amendments, and mulching to support long-term plant health.

5. What are your favorite low-maintenance plants?
Herbaceous peonies are incredibly easy to grow. They’re long-lived perennials that bloom reliably for decades when planted in well-drained soil and full sun. Their tuberous roots expand each season, eventually producing 50 or more blooms on a mature plant.

6. Any standout or unusual varieties you recommend?
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a small tree that grows 8–10 feet tall. It’s virtually pest-free and has lovely spring blooms that attract pollinators. The tart, red fruit ripens in late summer and is perfect for jams and baking. We offer several Eastern European cultivars selected for excellent fruit quality.

Tree peonies remain our signature offering. These woody shrubs have stunning 6- to 10-inch blossoms—many with fragrance—and can live for generations. We’ve even traveled to China to see 400-year-old specimens. Our customers love them for their beauty and longevity.

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm through June 21, 2025. By appointment only after that date. treepeony.com