Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Scott’s Nursery & Landscaping is a full-service design and build firm, featuring a six-acre, award-winning garden center. Specializing in landscape and hardscape design, the company also provides maintenance and gardening services. Established over 25 years ago, Scott’s has recently entered a new chapter under the ownership of three long-standing employees—Colleen Purcell, Jared Knecht, and Jose Tacuri. Five years ago, these dedicated professionals took the reins, combining their expertise to continue the legacy and evolve the business.

1. What makes your garden center unique compared to others in the area?
   Scott’s Nursery is a fun and inspiring place to explore nature. Our full-service garden center features a wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropicals, veggies, herbs, tools, pottery, statuary, mulch, and more. We love to reuse, so you’ll find many unique, recycled, upcycled, and repurposed items throughout the yard. Our ever-changing display gardens are creative and inspiring, with surprises around every corner.
2. What’s one piece of expert advice you always share with your customers?
   My favorite piece of advice is “The right plant for the right place!” Success is much easier when you aren’t trying to fit a plant into an unsuitable environment. Our nursery offers a wide variety, but speaking with our staff and sharing key details about your space—like sun exposure, space size, and how much time you have for care—can lead to great results.
3. What’s your favorite flowering plant for adding color to a garden?
   We love hydrangeas! Available in various sizes, hydrangeas provide months of showy blooms. For small gardens or containers, try Little Quick Fire Hydrangea, which grows to about 2’x 2’. Little Lime Punch, the 2025 hydrangea of the year, offers gorgeous multi-colored blooms into fall. For larger spaces, Limelight Hydrangea grows 8’x 8’ and thrives in shady corners.
4. What eco-friendly or sustainable gardening products do you recommend?
   Our most popular mulch, Sweet Peet, is 100% organic, composted agricultural manure. It’s excellent for water retention, pH balancing, weed control, and soil enrichment. We also offer premium mulches like our triple-shed bark, sourced directly from Vermont sawmills, with no added fillers or dyes. Unlike bagged mulches from big-box stores, our mulches are free of chemicals and pesticides, promoting healthier gardens.
5. Are there any new garden design trends you’re seeing this year?
   Native plants are “growing” in popularity! This year, Scott’s has greatly expanded our native plant offerings, dedicating a large section of the nursery to native species, including shrubs, perennials, and trees. We’re passionate about preserving and protecting the environment, and we’re proud to contribute by providing a diverse range of native plants for our customers to add to their gardens. scottsnurseryandlandscaping.com

Maria Lynch Dumoulin is the third-generation owner of Kenneth Lynch & Sons, a company with a nearly 100-year legacy in fine outdoor furniture, garden ornamentation, and park furnishings. Founded in 1927 by her grandfather, Kenneth Lynch, the company began with a focus on ornamental metalwork and European-inspired garden statuary.

A defining moment in its history was Kenneth Lynch’s collaboration with the NYC Parks Department to design the iconic 1939 World’s Fair Bench, a timeless piece still found throughout Central Park today. Under Dumoulin’s leadership, the company continues to honor its craftsmanship and heritage while evolving to meet modern design needs.

As Kenneth Lynch & Sons approaches its centennial in 2027, Dumoulin remains committed to preserving its rich history while shaping the future of outdoor design.

1. Tell us about your collections…

Our Florentine Classics collection features elegant, handcrafted outdoor furniture designed to last for generations. Estate Elements offers classic garden ornamentation in metal and stone, from small accents to monumental statuary. Urban Seating includes various bench styles and park furnishings, including Hermann Park benches, found on Main Street in Kent. Every piece is meticulously crafted by our skilled artisans in Connecticut.

2. Who are your typical clients? Do you work primarily with homeowners or landscape designers?

We work one-on-one with homeowners, landscape designers, and interior designers. Our role is to bring their design visions to life, whether helping a homeowner find the perfect piece for their garden or collaborating with high-end designers on large-scale orders of outdoor furniture. We work on projects nationwide, from beautiful estates in Connecticut to penthouses in New York City, oceanside properties in Palm Beach to charming secret gardens in Charleston, and beyond!

3. What are some projects you’ve worked on in Litchfield County?

We’ve collaborated with many homeowners and designers in the area on garden, veranda, and poolside projects. A few that come to mind are poolside chaise lounges, tiered fountains, and custom furniture for outdoor living and dining. Some of our most popular pieces in Connecticut gardens are our classical armillary sundials and statuary.

4. What trends are you seeing in luxury outdoor design, and how is your brand evolving?

Clients increasingly seek personalized outdoor spaces, so we’ve expanded our customization options. Every design vision is unique, and we collaborate to create bespoke pieces—from deeper lounge seating to curved poolside sofas or custom table styles. Our ability to tailor style, size, and finish sets us apart and is highly valued by designers.

5.  What’s something people might not know about your company—an interesting anecdote or behind-the-scenes detail?

We have quite a rich history with New York City landmarks! In the late 1920s, Kenneth Lynch created the set of Heroic Eagle gargoyles that grace the Chrysler Building. He also worked on the repair of the Statue of Liberty, and in 1982 the National Parks Service celebrated “Kenneth Lynch Day” in his honor. Currently, we work with the NYC Parks Department, Disney Resorts, Universal Studios, and with parks and designers nationwide. We’re quite proud of our legacy. klynchandsons.com

For nearly 37 years, Arbor Services of Washington has been a trusted name in complete tree care throughout Litchfield County. Founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Joslyn Pollock in 1988, the company has earned a reputation for its knowledgeable, professional service and deep respect for nature. From planting and fertilizing to pruning, disease treatment, and thoughtful removals, Arbor Services offers holistic care to ensure the long-term health and beauty of trees and landscapes. With a dedicated, credentialed team and a passion for education, they help clients steward their landscapes with care—and enjoy the natural world just outside their door.

1. What does Arbor Services offer?
We’re a full-service tree care company. We plant, fertilize, transplant, prune, cable, install lightning protection, add outdoor tree lighting, treat for insect, disease, and tick issues, and remove trees and stumps. We also consult with landscape architects and advise homeowners. Most importantly, we aim to educate about proper tree care. We want to help manage client investment in a way that enhances the landscape with a vision to future options.

2. What inspired you to start the company, and what do you enjoy most about the work?
Bill’s career began with an apprenticeship in the Hamptons and at the Central Park Conservancy, which led to estate gardens in Greenwich and eventually to Litchfield County. We were drawn to the area’s natural beauty and the community’s appreciation for its landscapes. This business allows us to blend our passion for arboriculture with meaningful, long-term relationships.

3. What sets your services apart from other tree care companies?
We offer comprehensive care for the full life cycle of a tree, focusing on health, safety, and beauty. Our clients take joy in seeing their landscapes thrive, and we couldn’t do it without our outstanding team. We have four arborists with an International Certification, two CT licensed arborists, one NY licensed arborist, three Tree Risk Assessment Qualified arborists, and four Certified Tree Safety Professionals.

4. Are there any special events or seasonal offerings?
Yes! We host a spring pruning workshop at the Warren Community Garden at Wasley’s Farm. In September, we join Saluting Branches, a national effort providing tree care for veterans—recently at the Rocky Hill campus. In the fall, we partner with TradesUp Spark to introduce trades to kids and teens at the Connecticut Antique Machinery location in Kent. Details for all events are on our Facebook page.

5. What’s one key piece of advice you share with clients?
Plan your landscape with an understanding of each tree’s unique characteristics. Doing so helps ensure their long-term health and brings lasting enjoyment. Responsible stewardship makes all the difference.

6. What do you love most about being part of the Litchfield County community?
We’re constantly reminded of the deep connection between people and nature here. It’s humbling and rewarding to know our work helps foster that connection and enhances how residents experience their landscapes and woodlands. – arborct.com

Brook Clark Landscape Architects is an award-winning firm specializing in high-end residential landscape design. Based in Sandy Hook, the firm works closely with clients throughout New England, offering a range of services to create outdoor spaces that reflect the unique vision of each property owner. Known for their expertise in both design and project management, they bring a meticulous approach to each landscape project.

1. Can you tell us about the services Brook Clark Landscape Architects offers and the types of projects you specialize in?

We are an award-winning firm specializing in high-end residential landscape design, as well as select institutional and commercial projects. The firm collaborates closely with clients throughout New England to craft outdoor spaces that reflect their unique vision. We design planting, masonry, pools, and anything else you can dream of for your property.

2. What makes your landscape architecture firm unique compared to others in the area?
We bring the highest level of attention and design to all of our projects. Our detailed drawings set us apart from the competition.

3. What’s one piece of expert advice you always share with your customers?
Start with an overall master plan for the property to create a cohesive vision. Dream big!

4. What’s your favorite part about being part of the Litchfield County community?
The wonderful people and unique properties.

5. What are the top three trending plants this spring, and why are they popular?

• Verbena Bonariensis: This annual is pure magic and often overwinter or reseeds.
• Cornus Mas: It is native and blooms around a month earlier than forsythia.
• Snowdrops: Everyone needs snowdrops. For me, they are the first official sign that spring is coming.

6. What eco-friendly or sustainable gardening products do you recommend?
No-mow lawns: This drought-tolerant alternative to traditional lawns has a soft, interesting texture.

7. What’s one common mistake gardeners make, and how can they avoid it?
Not having an overall vision and plan. Landscaping is an investment, and it has to be done right. brookclark.com

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

Peerless Tree Expert Company was founded in 1945 by William “Bill” Koneazny upon his return from World War II. He later re-enlisted and served during the Korean War. After coming home to Hartford, Bill established Peerless Tree Expert. When his best friend, Cliff Dauer, returned from the Navy, Bill invited him to join as a business partner. Later, after completing his service in Europe, Bill’s brother Jack Koneazny also came aboard.

By this time, Peerless had relocated to the Berkshires, and over the next several decades, the three partners grew the company to more than 20 employees, servicing clients across Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. Peerless played a vital role in infrastructure projects, from clearing land for new roads in Cape Cod to working on power and telephone lines in Pennsylvania. Locally, the company helped clear the slow lane on Smith Hill in Salisbury and assisted Connecticut with cleanup after the 1955 floods. Additionally, Peerless partnered with state agencies to manage infestations such as Spongy Moth and Cankerworm.

As the company expanded, it acquired Zetterstrom Tree Expert Company and Hollins & Tuttle Tree Experts, creating more local jobs. Peerless holds multiple licenses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York and specializes in horticulture and landscape design. Now spanning three generations, the company remains family owned and operated. In recent years, John Koneazny joined as a full partner, leading the landscape division with Shane Helminiak, while James Koneazny oversees plant health care and pest control.

Peerless provides comprehensive services, including insect and disease diagnosis and treatment for trees and shrubs, arboriculture consulting, turf care programs, tick abatement, and landscape and garden design, installation, and maintenance.

For over 80 years, working outdoors in such a beautiful region has been a privilege, but what the team values most are the long-term relationships built with clients, colleagues, and co-workers. These relationships are based on trust, dedication, and a commitment to high-quality service. Many landscape and tree care companies have come and gone, but after eight decades and three generations, Peerless remains stronger than ever. Their depth of knowledge and industry experience sets them apart.

Shane Helminiak reflects on Peerless’s evolving approach: “One of the newest landscape trends we embrace is designing low-maintenance landscapes. I personally select all plant materials for our projects, focusing on species that are resilient to nature’s challenges—less susceptible to pests, deer damage, drought, and disease. This approach reduces the need for excessive upkeep while keeping landscapes beautiful year-round.”

He adds, “We’re also incorporating meadows and hardscape elements, ensuring that our landscapes are both sustainable and enduring. Our goal is to create meaningful outdoor spaces that not only enhance property value but also require less maintenance, making them enjoyable for years to come.”—peerlesstree.com

YardScapes Landscape Professionals has been transforming outdoor spaces across Connecticut for 35 years. Founded in 1990 by Shayne Newman, the company specializes in landscape design, construction, and maintenance for residential and commercial clients. Known for its commitment to excellence, sustainability, a passionate team with deep-rooted love for the natural world, YardScapes continues to create outdoor environments that bring people closer to nature.

1. What services does your business provide?
YardScapes offers a full suite of landscaping services, including design and build for outdoor kitchens, waterscapes, hardscapes, and ornamental gardens. Maintenance services cover garden care, lawn care, pruning, mulching, and landscape pest control. We also handle seasonal needs like spring/fall cleanups and snow removal, ensuring year-round care for every property.

2. What inspired you to start this business, and what do you love most about it?
Growing up in the Colorado and Idaho wilderness, I developed a deep appreciation for nature. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could stay connected to the outdoors. Founding YardScapes allowed me to combine my passion for landscaping with the desire to help others enjoy their outdoor spaces. What I love most is knowing we’re helping clients strengthen their relationship with nature.

3. What makes your business unique compared to others in the area?
We’re proud to be the only Landscape Industry Accredited company in Connecticut. We stay involved in our industry through professional organizations and commit to continuous learning. Our team regularly attends local and national seminars to stay on the cutting edge. We’re also deeply engaged in the community through volunteer events, including two annual Days of Service, Renewal & Remembrance in Washington, D.C., and our annual Quad-Am Golf Classic, now in its 20th year.

4. What is your favorite flowering plant for adding color to a garden?
White hydrangeas bring timeless beauty to any landscape. They brighten both sunny and shaded spots, pair well with other plants, and offer a long bloom period. Some favorites include Bobo, Vanilla Strawberry, and Annabelle hydrangeas.

5. What eco-friendly or sustainable gardening practices do you recommend?
We advocate for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which balances cultural, biological, and chemical methods to protect landscapes. It starts with soil testing, then includes regular monitoring, organic-based fertilizing, proper watering, pruning, and aeration. This comprehensive approach keeps landscapes healthy while reducing the need for chemicals.

6. What is one common mistake gardeners make, and how can they avoid it?
Improper watering is a big issue—both overwatering and underwatering. Too much leads to disease and weak roots; too little causes wilting and stunted growth. We recommend deep, infrequent watering to reach the roots and promote drought tolerance. This applies to both flower beds and lawns. – yardscapeslandscape.com.

[Sponsored]

Spring’s Glory: The Daffodil Field in Lakeville

By Jane Garmey

Photographs by Rana Faure

For a few precious weeks beginning around mid April, cars swerve to a stop on Salmon Kill Road in Lakeville; bicyclists and hikers gaze, mesmerized. Their attention is directed toward a ravishing sweep of more than 50,000 daffodils, stretching as far as the eye can see in front of a picture-perfect 1797 saltbox.

This breathtaking display, immortalized by the 19th-century English poet William Wordsworth as “fluttering and dancing in the breeze,” is a glorious reminder that winter is finally over and spring is here.

When Inge Heckel, former president of the New York School of Interior Design, purchased her house in 1998, it came with the incredible bonus of an acre of daffodils. They were planted by Pearce Davis, the previous owner but one. He was an economics professor who had owned the house for more than 50 years. It was his idea to fill the acre that the daffodil field now occupies. To do this, he must have planted at least 1,000 daffodils a year.

For any gardener or garden lover, inheriting an established field of daffodils of this size is like winning the lottery. Each year, Inge and her husband, Jeff Hamlin, add more daffodils along the fence line and fill in any bare spots they find. However, Inge sees her role as more caretaker than curator. As she explains, “I just leave everything alone; but it is critical for the field to be mowed annually, and I wait until August to do that.” Some years, depending on how fast and tall the meadow grows back, she will have it mowed again in October so the daffodils will have an easier time of pushing through the grass in the spring.

Cultivating a low-maintenance garden is today’s hot topic. Wildflower meadows, drifts of native blooms, adopting organic practices, and moving away from perfectly mown lawns are all part of a movement to bring a more natural and less cultivated look to our gardens, and to design them with ecology in mind. What this usually means is not so much a low but a lower-maintenance garden. A garden of daffodils, however, is truly low maintenance.

There are 36 known varieties  of daffodils and literally thousands of cultivars. We know they flourished in gardens as long ago as 300 BC, when the Greek botanist and philosopher Theophrastus listed and described them. Spreading from Europe to northern Africa, daffodils were brought to Britain by the Romans. In addition to being low maintenance, their other virtues include being  deer resistant, self-propagating, and easily able to multiply. All they ask for is a good haircut once or twice a year. What more could one ask from any plant?  Think Wordsworth, spring, and drifts of glorious blooms. And for those lucky enough to live in this part of the Northwest Corner, don’t forgo the pleasure of making a detour to see Inge and Jeff’s daffodils.

By Michelle Madden

The problem with fast fashion is fast waste. We buy, wear, and dispose, and think little of environmental impact. Theresa Mieczkowski, the owner of Stella Rose Designer and Vintage Consignment in New Preston, shares a startling statistic: “Last month, we sold 750 items, which saved over half a billion gallons of water required to grow the cotton and dye the materials.” 

Mieczkowsk’s guiding principle—of doing right by the environment—has led to a thriving business.

The shop is a whimsical, sensory delight. Two skeletons greet you. A candle is burning. Necklaces dangle from light fixtures. Shoes fill a repurposed kitchen hutch. And a dog named Mr. Darcy, made from recycled newspaper, sits quietly on a table.

Brands like Hermes and Prada hang not far from J.Crew and L.L. Bean. As you go down the shop’s corridor, so too do the prices, until the final “last chance” room at 75% off. Anything that doesn’t sell is given to local shelters—500 items in the past year.

Lower prices may be a draw, but it’s the partnership with the consignees that keeps the business in high gear. Mieczkowski gets about three new consignees a day. “When I post an outfit on Facebook and it’s one of their items, they share it with all their friends!” Best of all, our planet shares in the upside too.

255 New Milford Turnpike, New Preston 

—Stellarosect.com 

Enjoy this listing of consignment shops in the area:

The Hunt
This large emporium and beautifully curated space specializes in glassware and other housewares, clothing for all ages, books, jewelry, shoes, purses, and other accessories.
20 Bank St., New Milford
@thehuntct

Rachel’s Quality Consignment
Featuring high-end, gently used designer treasures including clothing, handbags, shoes, furs, fine and costume jewelry, and everyday wear for women, children, and men.
465 Bantam Rd., Litchfield
@rachelsqualityconsignment

Emporium of Litchfield
An eclectic consignment shop specializing in gently used antique and modern home decor, including furniture of all sizes, artwork, and kitchenware.
624 Bantam Rd., Bantam
@TheEmporiumofLitchfield

Stella Rose Designer & Vintage Consignment
New consignments arrive daily at Stella Rose, where stylists help curate women’s fashion, with high-end purses, shoes, and clothing from brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and J.Crew.
255 New Milford Tpke., New Preston
@stella_rose_consignment_

Thrift Mart of New Milford
A volunteer-run thrift shop with gently used toys, books, shoes, clothing, and home decor, and constant sales.
146 Danbury Rd., New Milford
@ThriftMartOfNewMilford

Thread Emporium
Located in downtown New Hartford, Thread Emporium specializes in seasonal fashion and shoes, offering a comfortable environment with new items every week.
537 Main St., New Hartford
@TheThreadEmporium

Peacocks & Lilacs Thrifty Boutique
Run by a mother-daughter team, Peacocks & Lilacs offers high-end, gently used clothing from brands like Coach, Talbots, and Burberry, with a soothing lilac-painted shop filled with repurposed items and a peacock theme.
452 Main St., Winsted
@Peacocks&LilacsThriftyBoutique

Christina’s Consign Mint
In a brightly colored, welcoming shop, Christina’s Consign Mint specializes in women’s fashion at reasonable prices, with a selection of designer bags and prom/party dresses.
18 McDermott Ave., Torrington
@Christina’sConsignMint

The King’s Closet Thrift Store & More
Located on Main Street with a window display of their treasures, The King’s Closet specializes in modern and vintage clothing, and gifts for special occasions and holidays.
40 East Main St., Torrington
@kingscloset21

Petals and Threads
A trendy consignment shop specializing in the latest women’s fashion, jewelry, soaps, and eco-friendly items, including plants, macrame plant holders, and green gifts.
705 Main St., Watertown
@petalsandthreadsct

Clothes Tree
A nonprofit charitable thrift store offering a large variety of antiques, home decor, and clothing, with a wide selection of children’s clothes and toys spread across five rooms in a home.
906 Bantam Rd., Bantam
@clothestreebantam

The Quality Thrift Shop
The Quality Thrift Shop is a non for profit supporting local charities.  We have household goods, women’s, men’s, children’s items as well as something for your pet!
99 N Main St., Kent
@qualitythriftshopkent

In February and early March, the fields are brown and veiled in icy frost when Cameron Caruso arrives for work at Anderson Acres Farm in Kent. But then she opens the door to the greenhouse, and it’s instantly spring. Not just a hint of spring, but the full-blown beyond-the-rainbow version. By the hundreds, tulips are unfolding in luscious colors that would make Rembrandt’s brushstrokes envious. There’s the earthy scent of warm soil, there’s a hint of floral perfume mixed in, and the power surge of nature’s bounty is unleashed. 

Most of us would find the disconnect between the season outside and what’s happening indoors to be disconcerting, but for the crew at Anderson Acres Farm, delivering spring to the region ahead of schedule is the mission statement.

It’s all part of Michelle Saltz’s vision. She and her husband, Ron Saltz, fell in love with Anderson Acres in 2011, purchasing the 214-acre farm from Ky Anderson, whose family bought it as a dairy farm in 1903. In the 1960s, it morphed into a horse boarding/riding stable, until Ky put it on the market when she was 86. “She came over on a tractor to meet us,” Saltz remembers of the day when she and her husband became “so overcome by the beauty of the place that we couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

There were issues. Although the parcel totals 214 acres, the land is largely protected by a conservation easement, with only a 20-acre envelope available to be developed. Subtract wetlands, and fewer than five farmable acres remain. 

Another stumbling block was lack of experience. The Saltzs came from an acre in Scarsdale, never having farmed before. And yet, they bravely dove into livestock. When the chickens (and several other false starts) didn’t work out, Anderson Acres ultimately veered into cut flowers. 

Although their inventory of cut flowers is long and inventive, tulips turned out to be their parachute. When COVID shut everything down, the greenhouse was bristling with a particularly robust crop of those promising spring flowers, all poised to perform. Anderson Acres had a surplus of the world’s happiest, most-beloved blossoms in April 2020 when the world went into lockdown. 

In a moment of unprecedented trauma, tulips came to the rescue. “I put the word out on Instagram, people spread the news, and we sold every flower that we could grow,” Saltz recalls. “It was a place where the community could safely come together.”

Enthusiasm for the crop never stopped. Anderson Acres still sells tulips by the thousands, now under the expert eyes of farm manager Cameron Caruso and a hardworking, creative team of very dedicated staff. In October and November, the work begins. Each crate gets 66 bulbs. They are chilled in coolers, then brought into the warmth in relays. The farm grows the gamut of types, from mainstays to rarities. 

And the tulip interlude is just the beginning of a petal parade that segues into anemones and ranunculus, followed by daffodils and hyacinths, then swinging to the full pageant of field-grown flowers: annuals, perennials, shrubs, you name it. The CT Flower Collective, a co-op of floral farmers and florists, and several local outlets are the primary customers. 

And Anderson Acres continues to serve their neighbors as well. Hand-tied bouquet subscriptions are impressively popular, starting in spring and continuing nonstop through the various crops. Not only is the year a kaleidoscope of colorful blossoms, but Michelle Saltz can now proudly add “farmer” to her resume. We all have the humble tulip to thank. —andersonacresfarm.com

By Tovah Martin
Photographs by Rana Faure