by Cornelia Fortier

Even before spring starts, many of us pull out the seed catalogues and gardening magazines and start daydreaming about how we'll transform our backyard gardens into lush, colorful spaces.  But checking catalogues can't compete with what can be seen first hand in Fairfield County's myriad gardens, arboreta and preserved areas.  For gardeners and nature lovers, there is no better inspiration than these tucked-away oases with their elegant designs and textured landscapes. And though each year, as we gardeners know, some plants grow and thrive while others wither, the joy of gardens is perennial.

Fairfield County Natural Spaces

Ambler Farm, Wilton -  A beautiful 200 year old, 23 acre working farm, it was preserved by the Town of Wilton for the use and enjoyment of all. On April 27th, in honor of Earth Day, from 2-4 PM,  stroll around the Farm and try your hand at a recycled craft and  learn creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. 257 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton, 203-834-1143, http://www.amblerfarm.org/.

Audubon Greenwich - In 1942, land was donated by Eleanor Clovis Reese and H. Hall Clovis to create its 295-acre sanctuary with approximately seven miles of trails leading to a hardwood forest, old fields, lake, streams and vernal ponds. There are also old stone walks and an old apple orchard.  Audubon Greenwich is comprised of 11 other sanctuaries totaling 686 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, and 15 additional miles of hiking trails. On April 10th, Audubon Greenwich offers two, free workshops from 9:30 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 4 PM on Organic Lawns and Turf. 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, 203-869-5272, http://greenwich.audubon.org/index.html.

Ballard Park, Ridgefield - This five acre park, donated to the town from the estate of Elizabeth Ballard in 1964, has stately trees, formal gardens, ornamental shrubs and flower beds. Main Street, Ridgefield.

Connecticut Audubon Center, Fairfield -  Located in historic Greenfield Hill, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center adjoins the 152-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary which is comprised of rolling woodlands, meadows, streams, marshes and ponds with raised boardwalks and bridges that allow access to a variety of habitats. There is also a wildflower sanctuary.  2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, 203-259-6305, http://www.ctaudubon.org/visit/fairfield.htm.

Highstead Arboretum, Redding - Formed in 1982, Highstead was developed for the study and appreciation of woodland plants and habitat with 150 acres of diverse woodland, meadow, pond, and swamp habitat, an herbarium, greenhouse, more than two miles of trails, boardwalks, and a loop walk that features the varied habitats as well as Native Tree and Shrub, Kalmia, Azalea, and Clethra collections. 127 Lonetown Road (Route 107), Redding, 203-938-8809, http://highstead.net/.

New Canaan Nature Center - Established in 1960, this 40 acre site was given to the Town of New Canaan for the study of nature, horticulture and related sciences. It features diverse habitats, including wet and dry meadows and woodlands, two ponds, dense thickets, an old orchard and a cattail marsh. Two miles of trails criss-cross it. There is also an arboretum and a variety of gardens including the Sally Waters Herb Garden, James L. Crider Memorial Bird and Butterfly Garden, the Swallen Wildflower Garden, and Susan B. Hanson Memorial Naturalists' Garden. 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 203-966-9577, http://www.newcanaannature.org/.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center -  Comprised of 118 acres and miles of trails winding through a mature forest of American beech, oak, black walnut, hickory, maple, and other native plant species, as well as vernal ponds, it is also home to various species of amphibians and reptiles. 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, 203-322-1646, http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/index.html.

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, North Stamford - This 91-acre nature preserve was once the home of noted tree expert, Dr. Francis Bartlett and it contains thousands of plants, including several 'champion' trees - the largest of their species in the area. Its greenhouse and gardens also house a large permanent collection of plants from around the world. A pond, swamp and stream sustain abundant wildlife. On April 23rd, Bartlett offers the class Have Fun Growing Orchids, from 9:30-11:30 AM or 1-3 PM. 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, 203 322 - 6971, http://www.bartlettarboretum.org/index.html.

Weir Farm, Wilton - This National Historic Site, an artist's inspiration, is a 60-acre preserve with rolling hills, fields, and distinctive stone walls that today's artists continue to paint. Located in the towns of Ridgefield and Wilton, there are old fields,  hardwood forests, vernal wetland areas, streams, a pond, rocky ridges and two farmsteads. 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton, 203-761-9945, http://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm. There are reduced hours until May 1st.

Noteworthy

The Gertrude Jekyll Garden at The Glebe House, Woodbury - The jewel-like Glebe House, built in 1750, and restored in 1925, is also the site of the only garden in the United States designed, in 1926, by famed English horticultural designer and writer Gertrude Jekyll. For unknown reasons, it was not installed until the 1970's but her plan, in all its beauty, is on display today. Route 317, Woodbury,  203- 263-2855, http://www.theglebehouse.org/index-2.html.

Marsh Botanic Gardens, Yale University, New Haven - Eight acres of display gardens, some designed by prominent landscape architect Beatrix Farrand (Dumbarton Oaks, Harkness Memorial State Park, Hill-Stead Museum) including naturalistic plantings on the hillsides using American native wildflowers, grasses and woody plants. The perennial and annual beds near the greenhouses provide color in all seasons. 227 Mansfield Street, New Haven, 203-432-6320, http://www.yale.edu/marshgardens/about.html.