The Magic of Peony Season at Hildene

Blooming peonies—symbols of good luck and prosperity—lured us to Hildene at the official start of summer. The former home of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son, is the perfect backdrop for these beloved flowers and iconic vistas, all in the picturesque town of Manchester, Vermont.

At least 25 different peony varieties thrive in the formal gardens of the historic estate, designed in a stained-glass pattern with privet borders, including the cultivars ‘Hildene’ and ‘Jessie Lincoln’. These classic perennials peak for a short window in early June, forming a riot of color that anchors the surrounding lush Green Mountains.

Horticulturist and Greenhouse Manager Andrea Luchini gave us a glimpse into the important work of maintaining Hildene’s vibrant landscape, showing us pesticide-free pollinator meadow paths and borders located throughout the 412 acres. All of the gardens are used in educational programs, fulfilling the Lincoln legacy of sustainable farming practices and giving back to the community. 

The name Hildene is a practical one. The estate is on a “hill” and the farm is in a “dene,” the name for the meadow and adjacent river at the foot of the hill. The livestock operation is dedicated to bringing back heritage breeds, including Randall Cattle and Silveryard Ducks, under the direction of Farm Livestock Manager and Educator Kim Pinsonneault. Sustainable gardening practices are taught to local high schools through food studies programs overseen by the Farm Gardens Manager and Educator Ann Hausslein. Hausslein also works with community and regional organizations to address local food insecurity and save indigenous seeds. 

At the welcome center, visitors can take home a piece of Hildene. Choose from peony plants, honey, and maple syrup from the farm, cheeses and handmade soaps from their herd of sweet Nubian goats (my favorites!), and fiber products from their charming alpacas, sheep, and angora bunnies. We’ve already made plans to return in autumn to experience what we missed—a myriad of wetlands and woods and trails, as well as an observatory and Sunbeam, a historic Pullman railroad car. I’d also like to carve out a little more time to experience the main home, a Georgian revival mansion, which includes a new exhibit about Peggy Lincoln Beckwith and her important legacy. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the many layers of this special place.  

Ready to grow your own peonies? Learn more from our sister publication, The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Caring for Peonies: 10 Tips and Tricks for Success

Heather Marcus

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