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Wickham Park is a non-profit, private foundation whose property extends into both Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut.
The park contains 250 acres of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities, and other attractions.
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No One Does Gardens Like Wickham Park
Wickham Park's most unique feature is its many acres of ornamental gardens. There are six different themed gardens, ranging in
size from one half to eight acres.
These areas can be rented for events and ceremonies.
Please call (860) 528-0856 for rental rates and more detailed information.
Descriptions of each of the gardens follows:
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One of our new gradens, the English Garden covers just under 2 acres in an area adjacent to
the Oriental Garden. Based on formal English design principles, it contains three "garden rooms": the Maze, the Knot Garden,
and the Great Lawn.
It has been designed so that areas of the garden are in bloom all season long.
Entrance is gained through the lilac or cherry walks, with detours into the rose walk and the hydrangea corner.
Our most formal garden, the English Garden contains 1000 feet of hedges, dozens of shrub and rose varieties and hundreds of
perennials. This area has proven to be a premier site for wedding ceremonies.
* Availability subject to reservation. |
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This garden is located on one half acre of land at the north end of the English Garden. It contains fourteen archways which define different sections of the garden. It also incorporates plantings and statuary with historical or mythological significance to Scotland.
* Availability subject to reservation. |
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Located at the highest point of the park, with a panoramic view of Hartford, the Cabin Garden & Amphitheater provides a scenic and formal setting
for any occasion. This garden & amphitheater can be reserved as part of a wedding package or in limited circumstances, the ceremony alone. This garden can accommodate
up to 150 people. Please inquire about our Cabin Package for more details.
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This is the largest and oldest of the gardens in Wickham Park. Within its eight acres are several oriental structures and statues. The
most identifiable are the torri archway, the fu-dogs, the arched moon bridge over the pond, and the Teahouse. The
Teahouse can be used by small wedding groups in cases of inclement weather.
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This garden was originally created by Clarence and Edith Wickham as a place for their workers to worship. The Shrine is a
structure with stucco pillars and a flagstone base, which is set on a grassy knoll enclosed by beautiful plantings.
Statues of St. Theresa and St. Francis highlight this garden.
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This garden is located in the
center of Wickham Park and contains a pond with a
fountain and a pagoda. The pagoda is an oriental structure which provides a lovely setting overlooking the pond. In 2007, two unique structures were built and
added to the south and north entrances of the garden. Several Japanese lanterns also adorn this area.
* Availability subject to reservation. |
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Debuting in 2005, the Wetlands Garden, was created with funding from the Connecticut Department of
Transportation. This is our most natural garden, containing trails of over six tenths of a mile (mostly boardwalk),
benches, interpretive signage, and thousands of native wetlands plantings. We hope to develop programs, which will allow
park patrons, especially children, to recognize the value and necessity of wetlands and their vital role in all aspects
of our natural world. A trail guide has been designed that allows visitors to participate in a self-guided tour. A free copy of this guide book is available at the front gate. |
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Even regular park visitors may still not be aware of our newest garden. Located behind the area of the Italian
Shrine, our Rhododendron Garden will be a visual delight in the spring with a display of over 130 rhododendrons and azaleas. |
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