Sonnenberg Gardens is one of only two public gardens in the New York State Park System and it is spectacular. The 50-acre property consists of numerous themed gardens and a Victorian mansion. The beauty of this amazing destination is a haven for garden lovers, nature photographers, and history lovers alike.
A Bit of History
A 300-acre farmland called Sonnenberg (Sonnenberg means sunny hill in German) was purchased by Fredrick Ferris & Mary Clark Thompson to build their summer home in 1863. The mansion was built in 1887, the gardens came later. After Fredrick Ferris Thompson died in 1899, Mary Thompson began to cultivate the gardens as a tribute to her late husband. 1902 she began to bring the gardens she saw in her travels to life at Sonnenberg.
After her death in 1923, the property passed to her nephew, who signed it over to the federal government. From that point on it fell into disrepair until concerned citizens of Canandaigua petitioned to buy back the property from the federal government. They succeeded, and the property was signed over in 1972.
Sonnenberg Garden first opened to the public in 1973. For the next 30 years, the garden was operated as a not-for-profit but it was struggling financially. In 2006, Sonnenberg Gardens was officially purchased by the New York State Parks Department.
Visiting Sonnenberg Gardens
We visited Sonnenberg Gardens on a beautiful day in early June. It was a perfect day to tour the gardens as it wasn’t too warm but the sun was shining brilliantly. The entrance to Sonnenberg has moved, you will want to keep your eyes open for the signs leading to the parking lot.
As we entered the Gardens, we encountered a gentleman driving a cart, who offered us a tour of the gardens (via the cart). We gladly accepted, as my dad, who I was visiting with, is a senior, and it cut down on the amount of walking he would need to do. We truly enjoyed our tour of the grounds, which we found to be extremely interesting and educational. Our driver would stop every so often and tell us about a particular garden, or fascinating historical fact about the property. After our tour, he dropped us off at the Mansion.
The Mansion
There are really no words that could accurately describe the stunning beauty of the Mansion. It is exquisitely decorated in the style of the period and guests have the opportunity to tour the first two floors. 18 rooms are open to the public, and guests have the choice of taking a self-guided tour or enjoying a guided tour by a docent.
The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden was the first garden created at Sonnenberg. This garden has paved walkways, and sunken gardens as well as an ornate pergola, a fountain, numerous concrete statues, and urn planters.
The Rose Garden
This garden has been restored to match the original rose garden in this exact location. Multiple colors and varieties of roses are represented in this lovely garden.
Old Fashion Garden
The first thing you notice when you stroll through this garden is the overwhelming smell of the foxglove. A wide variety of flowers grow in this area around a long white trellis.
The Sub-Rosa Garden (the Secret Garden)
This garden is known as the secret garden as it is almost completely hidden by a high hedge surrounding a small fountain and grassy area.
The Japanese Garden
This was my daughter’s favorite garden. She loves all things Japanese and this garden made her feel like she had been transported to Japan, with a carefully cultivated garden that captures the very essence of a Japanese Garden with torii gates, komaina (lion-dog) statues, pagodas, and authentic Japanese tea house. This was the first privately owned Japanese garden in North America.
The Rock Garden
This was my other favorite garden. This garden is absolutely stunning with a grotto and summerhouse. This is one of the most unique and picturesque areas of Sonnenberg Gardens.
The Greenhouses
Enjoy some of the house hot plants of Sonnenberg Gardens, such as orchids and cacti. The greenhouses are arranged by plant types and habitat, and there are splendid examples of diverse plant life.
High Noon Cafe
After a morning of touring the gardens, we worked up a serious appetite. There is a small cafe at Sonnenberg Gardens that serves crepes, soups, and salads from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The menu wasn’t extensive, but it had some very unique food options.
I ordered the Chicken Ceaser Crepe, and it was delectable. My dad and my daughter ordered the soup de jour, which happened to be a chicken curry, which they both really enjoyed.
Gift Shop & Wine Tastings
Sonnenberg Gardens is part of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, and tastings are offered on certain days. There is a gift shop that sells unique souvenirs as well as wines from various local wineries.
Events and Weddings at Sonnenberg Gardens
As we were touring Sonnenberg, I kept thinking how incredible it would be to get married among the beautiful gardens. Apparently, I’m not alone, as this is a popular wedding venue. Sonnenberg has packages that offer couples lots of choices for their special day.
Sonnenberg also has numerous events open to the public, such as the Father’s Day Car Show, Flower Shows, Moonlight Strolls, Arts at the Gardens, and Haunted Strolls, just to name a few.
Just an FYI: While it is owned by the State, Sonnenberg Gardens doesn’t receive any money from them towards maintenance and operating costs. Sonnenberg runs completely on the money they receive from admission, weddings, special events, and the proceeds from the gift shop and wine center, as well as grants and donations.
Hours
Hours:
- Park open from May 2nd – October 31st
- Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday to Monday
- CLOSED on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Gardeners Café (independently owned) is open 11 am to 4 pm
- Bay House Gift Shop open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday to Monday
- Tram service available for guests with limited mobility – check in with admissions as there could be a wait based on availability
- Wine Tasting Friday, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3 pm
- Admission
Getting To Sonneberg Gardens
Address: 250 Gibson Street, Canandaigua