Nature Contained

Fields of Lupine Festival
Location: Franconia, NH

Dates: June 6-22, 2008

Gorgeous purple and pink lupines in bloom are reason enough to visit New Hampshire's Franconia region each June. The annual Fields of Lupine Festival provides added incentive for travelers, including special tours, arts events, concerts and more.

For information, call 603-823-5661.

Lupine Festival
Location: Deer Isle, ME

Dates: June 20-22, 2008

Lupines provide a backdrop of rich color for a weekend of activities in Downeast Maine including a craft fair, rummage sale, concert, art and sculpture show, boat excursions, scenic plane rides, a quilt show, garden tours, children's activities and more. For information, call 207-367-2420.

Peonies
Cricket Hill Garden’s 15th annual Peony Festival
Location: 670 Walnut Hill Road, Thomaston, CT
Dates: May 1st- June 15th
Visit the 7 acre terraces woodland garden with over 200 varieties of Chinese tree peonies in bloom. For more information, call 860-283-1042

Lilac

Lilac and Gardening Sunday at the Shelburne Museum
Location: Shelburne, VT

Date: May 18, 2008

Inhale the sweet fragrance of more than 400 lilac bushes and take home inspiration for your own garden when you visit Vermont's Shelburne Museum on Lilac and Gardening Sunday.

Lilac Sunday
Location: Arnold Arboretum Jamaica Plain, MA

Date: May 11, 2008

The Arnold Arboretum celebrates the 100th anniversary of this beloved Boston tradition. Join lilac enthusiasts from all over New England to celebrate. A dazzling array of over 180 kinds of lilacs with delightful fragrances and gorgeous colors—plus tours, dancing, art, music, children’s activities, and food (picnicking allowed on this special day only). On Lilac Sunday, the Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk, with special activities from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. For more Lilac Sunday information, call the Arnold Arboretum at 617.524.1718 ext. 176