House by the Side of the Road in Wilton, NH

A touch of spring - and a little bit of summer - at The House By The Side of the Road in Wilton, NH.

It is April 20th and this winter just will not quit. It has snowed twice this week in southern New Hampshire. Enough! If spring won't come to me, I will go to spring. Destination: The House By The Side of the Road in Wilton, NH. I have been coming here forever, year round. So interesting to see how it changes with the seasons. It is family owned since 1971 and these folks know their plants.

A selection of garden decorations, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, houseplants and more.

Named after a poem by Sam Walter Foss, the HBTSOTR is not just a greenhouse. It is a series of large and conjoined greenhouses. At least six of them if not more. I've asked the owners how many square feet they have and even they have no idea. It is huge! The outside has a string of hanging pansies (it is April) that seems to go on for a 1/4 mile. Selection changes seasonally. You then walk through the front door. It is warm and smells like damp potting soil. I love it.

The view behind me goes on just as long at the House By The Side of the Road in Wilton, NH.

I used to take my kids here when they were young and they would enjoy it for several reasons. First, there are free cookies and popcorn (and coffee for the adults). Second, there is a koi and turtle/frog pond. Third, my kids (most kids) like plants. The cactus selection was always popular. And they could explore to their hearts' content. The greenhouses hinge off the main building at 90 degree angles and I can't even count how many. Here is a sampling, along with the koi and turtle ponds.

The many greenhouses, indoor and outdoor spaces, turtle/frog/koi ponds at the House By The Side of the Road in Wilton, NH.

Oh, there is also a gift shop with New England-y type sundries, puzzles and games, a seed section, fertilizers, watering cans, plant supports, birdbaths, garden ornaments and pots of every shape and size. And potting soil. Anything you need for your indoor and/or outdoor garden you will find here, year round. I could spend a day here. Spring has sprung at the House By The Side of the Road, even if it is cold and cloudy at home. http://www.housebythesideoftheroad.com/#welcome-2018

A selection of the non plant-based items you will find at the House By The Side of the Road.  PS, they really bring it for all four seasons, Christmas time is special here  :-)

An aerial shot of the main building and greenhouses at HBTSOTR.  Borderline ridiculous in a fabulous way.