An Artist Date with the Dahlias at Ender’s Island
ARTIST DATE WITH THE DAHLIAS
I’m a big fan of Artist Dates and hadn’t been prioritizing this precious time so I picked a crisp, sunny afternoon to visit the magnificent gardens at Ender’s Island. Ender’s Island is a sweet little gem of a spot right here in Mystic, CT. I went at peak season to soak in all the deliciousness of the wide varieties of hybridized dahlias that the island is known for. The 11-acre property is recognized as one of the largest dahlia displays in New England and doesn’t disappoint. What makes them so magnificent is their diversity of color and form which I couldn’t get enough of. Some of the dahlias were as large as my hand!
PEAK SEASON
Their peak season spans from the end of August to the end of September when 90 percent of the flowers are in bloom. I learned that many of them maintain their vibrant splendor until frost. The salmon and pinks orange dahlia’s made my heart swoon but all of them were gorgeous.
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;
they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.”
– Luther Burbank
MAJESTIC ATMOSPHERE
I enjoyed walking around and soaking up the sea air. Majestic stone walls, walkways, and statues add a reflective atmosphere to the gardens, while over 80 rose bushes release calming fragrances into the Island's crisp air. Grapes, apples, peaches, pears, and peppers also flourish in the Island's soil, later appearing in a variety of pies and jams crafted annually by staff and volunteers which I found to be so beautiful.
In case you don’t live near a garden or have one of your own I hope these little gems of color light up your heart in some way. I invite you to pull out your sketchbook or paints and see how these flowers may influence your work. If you are local Ender’s Island welcomes all to come and discover for themselves the grace and splendor of its remarkable gardens. It’s a true testimony to the love and commitment of the Enders Island community.
Cheery smiles your way…
xo 💞
Laura
“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.”
– Clare Ansberry
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