Prepare to be captivated! On Saturday, August 2, the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program unlocks the gates to two breathtaking private gardens in New Haven County, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore these hidden gems rarely seen by the public. Immerse yourself in these extraordinary landscapes, from a 4-acre masterpiece with diverse garden rooms to a whimsical garden railway that will transport you to a world of nostalgic charm. This exclusive one-day event is your chance to step into a world of unparalleled beauty and horticultural wonder.
Reeds Gap West Residence, North Branford, CT. The gardens are those of landscape designer Donna Christensen. She and her husband, David, live and work in an old apple barn on the property. They own a design/build landscape company and have collected many large specimen trees and shrubs, which have been assembled in several different gardens throughout the four acres. The front half of the property includes a two-acre pond with a gazebo, a large waterfall, and a Japanese-style garden with stone bridge. The barn home is surrounded by stone walls, terraces, pool, and other water features, and flowering perennial and annual gardens. This garden’s estimated size is 4 acres.
Garden of Susan and Richard Kaminski, Oxford, CT. The one-acre OSP&C (Old Swimming Pool and Compost) garden railway offers a nostalgic experience, with three trains and a trolley running simultaneously amidst diverse gardens that were largely rebuilt after a serious illness. Visitors can explore various features, including perennial beds, a fairy garden, a goldfish pond, and rose and vegetable patches, ultimately leading to the backyard's pergola and another large goldfish pond. This engaging property, which also includes a gazebo for rest and a new garden addition from 2023, invites guests to immerse themselves in the railway scenes, with children even able to blow the train whistle. The primary request for all who visit this expansive and detailed garden is simply to enjoy the unique sights and sounds.
The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for registered guests. Tickets are $10 per person, per garden; $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visitors are reminded that no pets are allowed. All registrations must be processed online through the Garden Conservancy's website. Visit gardenconservancy.org/opendays.
Fueling America’s passion for gardens, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days™ program is the only nationwide garden visiting program. In 2025, Open Days marks its 30th year. Over three decades, Open Days has welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors into thousands of inspired private landscapes—from urban rooftops to organic farms, historic estates to suburban sanctuaries—in 41 states.
