Bedrock Gardens
Bedrock Gardens
5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Bedrock Gardens is a private 20-acre garden notable for its horticulture, specimen plants, garden design, hardscape, and art. We open Mid-May, and close after Labor Day. Please note that we are open Tuesday thru Friday of the week, and only the first and third weekends of the month. Times are from 10-4. Check our website (bedrockgardens.org) for details.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Attractions
26 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
45 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
chimayred
Durham, NH2,354 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We like gardens and have seen a number of the Biggies - Longwood, Maine Coastal, Hamilton in New Zealand, Duke, Ginter, etc. they all have their appeal.
This is very quirky. Flowers were not quite ready for prime time here in NH but the layout was good, big enough to be interesting but not overwhelming, but loads of interesting sculpture or statuary built by one of the owners - almost all made from industrial parts! Gears, cogs, pitchforks, cymbals, whisks, you name it. Very clever and constantly surprising. If you keep your head down you’ll miss it! Lots of stuff off to the sides in the wooded areas. Loads of parking. Easy to get to. Bathrooms. Small gift shop and friendly people.
This is very quirky. Flowers were not quite ready for prime time here in NH but the layout was good, big enough to be interesting but not overwhelming, but loads of interesting sculpture or statuary built by one of the owners - almost all made from industrial parts! Gears, cogs, pitchforks, cymbals, whisks, you name it. Very clever and constantly surprising. If you keep your head down you’ll miss it! Lots of stuff off to the sides in the wooded areas. Loads of parking. Easy to get to. Bathrooms. Small gift shop and friendly people.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucy
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Went with my cousin. Felt like going to the land of Oz. Took over 400 pictures of plants, landscaping, and unique metal art made of garden tools. Over 30 acres. Met another photographer too!
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marthaBrunswick
brunswick69 contributions
Sep 2020
The site has an entry area off the parking lot for a ticket booth, restrooms and picnic area. The property is gently rolling and has woods, meadows, a pond, stream and mowed grass paths as well as chipped cart paths. Easy walking. Visiting groups were mostly masked and all gave wide berth to other groups while still being friendly. There are numerous side paths that don’t necessarily correlate well to the map. The few directional red arrows were very helpful and they could use a few more. There were many chairs and benches in spots with great views.
The sculptures were amazing! The artist has taken some very ordinary metal objects, combined them and produced extraordinary sculptures. They’re sited throughout the garden, popping up in garden beds, pond edges, hanging from trees....they’re everywhere and I’m sure I missed some because I was as interested in the plantings as I was in the sculptures. The many specimen trees and shrubs need some tags for those of us who need some plant id help. Most of the sculptures were not titled. I’m hoping they’ll get around to more labeling in future.
This sculpture garden is an easy detour off I-95 and a must-see. It’s a great outdoor artistic activity and the images are good for the soul.
The sculptures were amazing! The artist has taken some very ordinary metal objects, combined them and produced extraordinary sculptures. They’re sited throughout the garden, popping up in garden beds, pond edges, hanging from trees....they’re everywhere and I’m sure I missed some because I was as interested in the plantings as I was in the sculptures. The many specimen trees and shrubs need some tags for those of us who need some plant id help. Most of the sculptures were not titled. I’m hoping they’ll get around to more labeling in future.
This sculpture garden is an easy detour off I-95 and a must-see. It’s a great outdoor artistic activity and the images are good for the soul.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rockyisle
The Villages, FL676 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Spent a few hours enjoying the unique blend of art, flora and fauna. Almost impossible to describe. A must see. Plan to spend a couple of hours soaking in the joy of being alive. This was a great tonic during this pandemic.
Lots of gentle hills. Paths are clearly marked.
My only wish is that the trees and specimen plants be marked for us to learn more.
We will return again later this summer into fall.
Lots of gentle hills. Paths are clearly marked.
My only wish is that the trees and specimen plants be marked for us to learn more.
We will return again later this summer into fall.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jack M
New York City, NY1,220 contributions
May 2021
We have a second home 6 miles from here and we had never known of this place's existence. What a find. We spent a great few hours walking around this garden and we loved it so much we bought a season pass ticket. We plan on coming back many times.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dvaughan247
Fremont, NH70 contributions
Sep 2016
This is a private property that is only open to the public on certain occasions (5 times a year or so). It's worth it to go at least once. If you like unique plants, unusual steel sculptures and a bit of a reprieve from the hustle, it is a very nice place to be. The owners do this to show their sculptures and hope you have enough to afford them. They don't really appear to want you there though. They are not "Bed and Breakfast Friendly". As long as you are aware of this, it doesn't matter because soon you will be walking across acres of beautiful gardens and woodland areas. You will not be near them. Enjoy! Give your self a couple hours to see it all.
Written November 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sacmad
Salem, NH9 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
If you enjoy gardening, or interesting sculptures, Bedrock Gardens is a wonderful place to visit. The owner's metal garden sculptures are funny and unusual, and we learned so much about the property and plantings, especially trees, on the tour. To make the experience even better, there was a jazz band playing! It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bear-in-Vermont
Vermont31 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Took an afternoon and explored Bedrock Gardens in Lee NH earlier this month. Nice place to take a break and appreciate the hard work others do. Grounds and gardens in full bloom and nicely "manicured". Many places to sit and just look around, take in some of natures beauty, catch your breath, and slow your life's pace down for a while.
Box lunch available if ordered in advance from a local caterer. Only "issue" I'll comment on is there isn't a garbage can to put your empty box lunch trash into once you've completed it.....so had to carry my box lunch with me for the few hours I was there exploring the grounds......if Bedrock Gardens is coupling with the local caterer (their web site does "talk" about the box lunch service) then between the two, do the complete job and offer a garbage can for the post-lunch trash.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their day and time. Nice to slow the pace of life down for a few hours......so if that is something you need to do.....this is a nice place to do it. Volunteer staff friendly, shuttle to a remote parking lot not a big deal, yet if we had an on-site parking spot it would have been great, but again......shuttle van to the local school isn't a huge issue or caused a negative comment or experience with me.
Worth a trip yes.....would I call it a don't miss destination, no......but if you are in this area with some time, it's a good place to visit.
Box lunch available if ordered in advance from a local caterer. Only "issue" I'll comment on is there isn't a garbage can to put your empty box lunch trash into once you've completed it.....so had to carry my box lunch with me for the few hours I was there exploring the grounds......if Bedrock Gardens is coupling with the local caterer (their web site does "talk" about the box lunch service) then between the two, do the complete job and offer a garbage can for the post-lunch trash.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their day and time. Nice to slow the pace of life down for a few hours......so if that is something you need to do.....this is a nice place to do it. Volunteer staff friendly, shuttle to a remote parking lot not a big deal, yet if we had an on-site parking spot it would have been great, but again......shuttle van to the local school isn't a huge issue or caused a negative comment or experience with me.
Worth a trip yes.....would I call it a don't miss destination, no......but if you are in this area with some time, it's a good place to visit.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad that you enjoyed your visit!
Re Trash: Bedrock Gardens does have a "Pack it in, pack it out" policy, and we do encourage picnicking. On the occasions that we do have a caterer, they do supply a trash container. Sorry you had problems.
Written August 6, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lawrence L
Portsmouth, NH51 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Open house on the first and third weekends of the summer months is not enough time to take in the scope of this 38 acre wonderland of art and culture of various forms of garden art and unique plantings.For a ten dollar donation you could spend the day and not actually SEE all there is to admire. The landscaper and sculptor have spent close to 30 years putting together this oasis of variety
I'm definitely going back and you will want also.
I'm definitely going back and you will want also.
Written June 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dlramus
Lee, NH41 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
Bedrock Gardens is a unique spot of extensive landscaped gardens intertwined with the owner's metal sculptures. In the past it has only been open to the public one Saturday per month in the warm weather months. The appearance changes each month as you might expect with a garden. I would highly recommend this spot for a leisurely walk or for a picnic. Don't forget your camera!
Written January 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there wheelchair access and parking?
traveller0508
New England50 contributions
Not great. Parking is along the road or in a gravel parking area near the house. If you park on the road, it would be easy to take the wheelchair from there to the house, but it's a slightly uphill push from the road to the house. Some of the trails are reasonably level, so you could use those to view the gardens, but many others are narrow, with small steps and inclines. If you come into the gardens and bear to the right, it's level going over grass with a winding wider path through trees and bushes, looking over the water and sculptures and lower gardens. None of these are paved. I have never tried taking someone in a wheelchair there, but I have a feeling it would be hard.
Sarahe5682
Constantia, NY160 contributions
Is this a dog-friendly place?
simplegifts2016
Lee, NH40 contributions
no dogs allowed at Bedrock Gardens
Bedrock Gardens (Lee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bedrock Gardens
- Bedrock Gardens is open:
- Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Bedrock Gardens:
- (9.34 mi) Inn by the Bandstand
- (9.40 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
- (9.36 mi) Exeter Inn
- (9.20 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Portsmouth Exeter
- (9.56 mi) Around the Corner Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Bedrock Gardens:
- (0.58 mi) COFFEE CRAVING
- (7.38 mi) The Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery
- (5.46 mi) The Big Bean Cafe and Bakery
- (4.63 mi) The Holy Grail Food & Spirits
- (6.57 mi) Goody Cole's Smokehouse and Catering Co.
Bedrock Gardens Information
Excellent Reviews | 40 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 4 |
Bedrock Gardens Photos | 31 |