Lyman Orchards Garden Center, Middlefield, Connecticut

Lyman Orchards Garden Center in Connecticut is a treasured destination with a rich history dating back nearly 300 years. This family-friendly farm offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of New England’s countryside while enjoying numerous seasonal activities. You’ll find everything from pick-your-own fruit opportunities to a well-stocked farm market featuring their famous hi-top apple pies and local produce.

When you visit Lyman Orchards, you’re not just shopping at a garden center – you’re participating in a Connecticut tradition. Located in Middlefield, the orchard spans beautiful acres of farmland where you can pick apples, strawberries, blueberries and more depending on the season. The Apple Barrel Farm Market and Bakery serves as the perfect spot to grab fresh deli items, baked goods, and other locally-sourced treats to take home after your orchard adventure.

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Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel

The Apple Barrel Farm Market at Lyman Orchards is a delightful destination that offers much more than your typical grocery shopping experience. Open year-round, this family-owned market has been serving Connecticut families with locally-grown fruits and produce since 1972.

As soon as you walk through the doors, your senses will be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Their Farm Kitchen Bakery produces delicious treats all day long, including their award-winning pies, apple cider donuts, muffins, and cookies that Connecticut Magazine praised.

Beyond the bakery, you’ll find an impressive selection of locally-sourced products. The market features cheeses, milk, eggs, meats, and specialty food items from Connecticut and throughout New England. You can also browse their collection of Lyman Orchards products including jams, jellies, sauces, and more.

For special occasions, consider their fruit and gift baskets which can be customized to your specifications. These thoughtful gifts feature the freshest fruits, gourmet specialties, and treats from their bakery – perfect for showing someone you care!

Rating: 4.4 (989 reviews)
Location: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
Contact: (860) 349-6000
Website: Visit Website

Overview of Lyman Orchards Garden Center

Lyman Orchards is a historic Connecticut destination spanning 1,100 acres of scenic farmland. The property offers visitors a chance to experience agricultural traditions while enjoying modern amenities and seasonal activities.

History of Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards began as a modest 37-acre family farm established by John and Hope Lyman in 1741. What started as a small agricultural venture has grown over nearly three centuries into one of Connecticut’s most beloved destinations.

Today, the orchard is in its 284th year of operation, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farms in America. The property has expanded significantly while staying true to its farming roots.

Through the generations, the Lyman family has maintained their commitment to quality fruit production while adapting to changing times. By 1991, the once-small family farm had transformed into one of Connecticut’s most popular family destinations, combining agricultural heritage with recreational opportunities.

Location and Accessibility

You’ll find Lyman Orchards nestled in the heart of Middlefield, Connecticut. The central location makes it easily accessible from major cities and highways throughout the state.

The 1,100-acre property offers plenty of parking for visitors coming to enjoy its diverse attractions. Whether you’re coming from Hartford, New Haven, or other parts of Connecticut, clear signage makes navigating to this countryside destination straightforward.

The orchard’s scenic setting in central Connecticut provides the perfect backdrop for all its activities. The location features rolling hills, open fields, and beautiful orchards that change with the seasons.

Lyman Orchards operates year-round, making it a destination you can visit in any season for different experiences.

Gardening Tips and Resources

Lyman Orchards provides helpful gardening advice and educational opportunities to help visitors grow their own beautiful plants and delicious fruits. Their expert staff shares practical knowledge gained from generations of farming experience.

Seasonal Planting Guides

Lyman Orchards offers detailed seasonal planting guides perfect for Connecticut’s climate. Their resources cover what to plant each month and how to care for your garden through changing seasons.

Want to grow fruit trees at home? Lyman’s experts recommend proper pruning for better air circulation and disease control. For best results, they suggest thinning fruit on your trees to improve overall quality of your harvest.

Their guides include natural growing techniques that avoid harmful chemicals. You’ll find visual aids and information sheets at the garden center to help with common gardening challenges.

Helpful tip: When growing blueberries or other fruits, check Lyman’s specific care instructions for Connecticut’s unique growing conditions.

Workshops and Events

You can expand your gardening knowledge through Lyman’s year-round workshops and events. Their popular “Craft N’ Plant with ToneGrown” sessions combine hands-on learning with take-home resources.

These workshops focus on:

Natural growing techniques
Pest management
Seasonal planting strategies
Harvesting tips

The garden center hosts special events throughout the growing season. Their educators aim to make gardening accessible to everyone from beginners to experienced gardeners.

Children’s workshops introduce young gardeners to growing their own food. You’ll find a welcoming community of garden enthusiasts sharing tips and experiences at these gatherings.

Check their website calendar for upcoming events, including specialized fruit-growing workshops that coincide with pick-your-own seasons.