Discover the Magic of Fordhook Farms at the Annual Burpee Open

If you’ve ever gardened or been around gardening, the Burpee name is probably top of mind. A leading name in American home gardening since 1876, Burpee offers a wide array of high-quality non-GMO plants, seeds, and supplies for all growing zones. Based in Bucks County, PA, Burpee conducts plant breeding and trials at its historic Fordhook Farm.

**Disclaimer: This was a hosted stay, however, all opinions are my own. I strive to provide my readers with my most authentic sentiments.

Purchased by founder W. Atlee Burpee in 1888, Fordhook Farm opens its doors to the public only once a year during the Burpee Open. This annual event, taking place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 105 New Britain Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901, draws thousands of guests eager to get a behind-the-scenes look at Burpee’s enchanting gardens. Better yet, this is a free event!

“The Burpee Open is all about showing you things that you’ve never seen before and making you feel things that you’ve never felt,” says George Ball, Burpee Chairman. The event offers a rare chance to explore Burpee’s renowned gardens through self-guided tours and interact with the Burpee horticulture team.

In addition to garden tours, the Burpee Open features food trucks, live music, speakers, children’s activities, and more. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Burpee’s gardens.

The Gardens at Fordhook Farms

Upon arrival at the historic Fordhook Farm, you are greeted by the Stumpery, a magical shade garden featuring trees, shrubs, perennials, and of course, stumps. Meander the paths through the stumpery and enjoy the lush foliage and both shade-tolerant and sun-loving cultivars.

But the showstoppers are the stunning Creek Garden and the Kitchen Garden. The Creek Garden overflows with vibrant annuals and perennials. Whereas the Kitchen Garden displays Burpee’s products and innovations.  Explore the many varieties and gather ideas for your home gardens.

If you like a little art with your gardens, you won’t want to miss the Happiness Gardens. This whimsical sunny garden features a variety of pollinators and other plants to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Scattered throughout the garden you will find an eclectic collection of sculptures and places to sit and enjoy the scenery.

The Veranda Gardens surround the flagstone terrace off the main house. These picturesque gardens feature the property’s oldest tree, a Linden, and pollinator-friendly varieties. The veranda is a lovely spot to stop, cool off, and take a rest.

The Carolina Garden situated behind the Burpee Hall Barn offers a shady respite. The garden features a mix of shade and sun-loving perennials and shrubs. While exploring, see if you can find the reflective egg sculpture.

These are just some of the gardens on the historic property. Fordhook Farms features 16 gardens including the arboretum, home to over 135 unique trees, and the Noble Woods Walk, a tranquil wooded trail set on the property’s perimeter.  All gardens are open to view during the Burpee Open except the Secret Garden which is Burpee’s Trial Garden.

What Awaits You at the Burpee Open

• Self-Guided Garden Tours: Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Fordhook Farm and witness where Burpee’s botanical magic comes to life.
• Food and Music: Relish tasty treats from local food trucks and enjoy live music throughout the day.
• Expert Talks: Gain insights from horticultural experts, garden designers, and authors.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Kids can get creative with flower arranging and have fun with a scavenger hunt.
• Local Shopping: Explore offerings from The Bucks County Flower Collective and the Burpee Garden Shop.

The full event schedule and a map of the Fordhook Garden can be found here. Interested parties can RSVP here.

Garden Etiquette and Best Practices

When visiting the gardens at Fordhook Farm, a few guidelines should be followed to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Put safety first and be mindful of the sun and heat. Be sure to practice proper heat safety and stay hydrated.

Please walk only on designated paths and lawns, and refrain from touching or altering any plants or sculptures. The garden is a smoke-free environment, so no smoking during your visit.

We know you love your pets but please leave them at home. Make sure to carry out anything you bring in to help maintain the garden’s cleanliness. Lastly, professional and commercial photography is not permitted. By adhering to these guidelines, you help preserve the beauty and serenity of Fordhook Farm for all visitors.

Burpee’s History of Innovation

Known for its exceptional organics, heirlooms, and innovative new varieties, Burpee has a long history of groundbreaking contributions to American home gardening.

In 1894, they introduced ‘Iceberg’ lettuce, the first “crisphead” variety, which revolutionized how Americans enjoyed fresh salads by allowing lettuce to be part of everyday meals year-round. This innovation significantly impacted the availability and consumption of fresh produce.

In the realm of tomatoes, Burpee has made several notable advancements. The ‘Brandywine’ tomato, initially introduced in 1886 as ‘Turner’s Hybrid’ and later ‘Mikado,’ became famous for its exceptional flavor. In 1948, Burpee introduced the ‘Big Boy’ tomato, which transformed home gardening with its manageable plant size, ease of harvest, and high yield.

Burpee’s recent innovations include the ‘Super Sauce’ tomato, which revolutionizes sauce preparation with its large size and excellent flavor, and the ‘SteakHouse’ tomato, introduced in 2015, known for its huge, versatile fruits perfect for stuffing, salads, and sandwiches, making it easy to feed the family all summer.

Beyond innovations in vegetable gardening, Burpee has made numerous significant contributions to flower breeding over the years. In 1934, they introduced the ‘Double Hybrid’ Nasturtium, featuring double-flowered blossoms. This was followed by the ‘Crown of Gold’ marigold in 1937, the first deep gold marigold, and the ‘Red and Gold’ marigold in 1939, the first to combine these striking colors.

Marigold innovations continued with the first white marigold, ‘Snowbird’ in 1975, and ‘Snowball’ in 1982, the first pure white marigold. Other notable introductions include the ‘Gloriosa’ Daisy in 1953, the first fully double hirta type, ‘African Queen’ in 1992, the first yellow impatiens, and ‘Himalaya Blue’ in 1995, the first blue impatiens. In 1994, Burpee also launched ‘Lavender Lady,’ the first English perennial lavender to flower in its first year from seed.

These floral and vegetable breakthroughs have solidified Burpee’s reputation as a pioneer in horticulture.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, the Garden Guide at Burpee.com provides valuable insights and tips from horticultural experts.

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