Burpee To Open Bucks Co. Gardens To The Public This Weekend

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA ? The W. Atlee Burpee Company will open its Doylestown gardens to the public on Saturday for a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the magic of Burpee.

Historic Fordhook Farm, where it all began for the international seed producer nearly 150 years ago, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Burpee Open, a free event showcasing Burpee?s breeding and trial operations at 105 New Britain Road in Doylestown Township.

Visitors are invited to take in the beauty and abundance of the farm?s extensive Kitchen, Heirloom, Veranda, and Happiness gardens in addition to its unique Stumpery, featuring shade-loving shrubs, perennials and trees.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Everyone who has ever planted a garden knows the name Burpee. The iconic brand has been synonymous with seeds for nearly 150 years. But did you know that the first seeds were cultivated right here in Central Bucks County at Fordhook Farm?

This year?s open will feature self-guided tours of eight gardens, a Burpee Garden Shop, plants, seeds and Burpee gear, and a special lecture, "Planting the Past: Piecing Together Burpee's History" by author Christopher DeMairo at 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Based in Bucks County, Burpee is one of the world?s foremost garden, seed, and plant companies. At Fordhook Farm, the company breeds and trials plants, allowing them to deliver the highest quality products and services to gardeners and other customers, and discover breakthrough varieties in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Purchased by founder W. Atlee Burpee?s in 1888, the farm is only open to the public once a year during the Burpee Open, giving guests a special opportunity to tour the grounds. The Burpee Open brings in thousands of guests each year to explore the spectacular gardens and meet the Burpee horticulture team.

Burpee is home to the original ?Iceberg? lettuce (1894), the first white marigold (1976) and the biggest beefsteak tomato ever bred (2014).

For more information on the Burpee Open, visit their website. You can also follow Burpee on Instagram and Facebook.