The Bridge of Flowers was once a trolley bridge built in 1908, crossing the Deerfield River between Buckland and Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. The trolley company shut down in 1927 and in 1929, the bridge was made into a garden by the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club, turning an eyesore into a thing of beauty. For more details about its history and a short slide show, click the link above.
There is a log book at each end and I’ve seen entries from all over the world – Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
It has become a major tourist attraction for this quiet, little town. Most of the village’s original 19th-century buildings still stand, giving it an old-fashioned charm.
Recent films, ‘The Judge’ starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Duvall, and ‘Labor Day’ starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin were filmed here.
The Bridge of Flowers is open from April through October and always has lots in bloom, from early bulbs to late asters and chrysanthemums.
I visit often as I live only a short distance away. In summer, I like to grab an ice cream cone at Mo’s Fudge Factor and then cross the street to amble along the garden path while I eat my treat.
We had to run an errand in Buckland on Saturday, so it was a perfect excuse for a sweet dessert and a garden walk. Dahlias are the stars right now – I am always stunned at the sheer variety and perfection of this marvelous flower. Enjoy the tour!
Eliza Waters 
wow, beautiful, Eliza. What a great spot from a great idea. I especially love your last shot!
Thank you, Mary!
What a nice thing to be able to drop in on. Those 1920’s garden ladies knew what they were doing–and I guess they do today as well, since it’s so gorgeous.
They have a host of volunteers and master gardeners who tend it. All done on donations and a plant sale in the spring, which is very well attended.
I had not heard of this place before. It is lovely!
Thank you, it is a lovely spot for sure!
Beautiful photos! I also posted about this bridge the other day!
Thank you! Small world, eh? 😉
Stunning! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week.
Thank you!
I can see why the area is used as a film location – it’s gorgeous. I’d spend a lot of time hanging out there too if I lived nearby, with or without ice cream!
Yes, with or without ice cream!
Dahlias are just gorgeous. I never had luck growing them before, but this year I have a bunch on my porch that did great. I think next year I’ll try my hand at them again!
I agree. When they do their thing in late summer, all that fussing is worthwhile.
Absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks, Gigi. It may not be CBG, but I think you would love this place. ❤
Visiting your blog is like buying a ticket to smile. I always come here looking for beautiful pictures and leave here with a smile. There has never been an exception! 🙂
What a wonderful thing to say, thank you, Aishwarya! 🙂
I absolutely love it when something that is an eyesore is turned into something of natural beauty, it just shows what can be achieved with plants and nature. Your plants and gardening seems to be very similar to ours here in SW France, except with the lack of rain all summer any colour in our garden is long since gone!
What a lovely idea – with ice cream for good measure. Love those dahlias!
Thanks, Susan. A pleasurable combo. 😉
Beautiful photos, especially the dahlias
Thank you, Derrick. I love dahlias!
What a nice idea. I’ll bet it’s a beautiful place to walk. 🙂
I do love it and any excuse to pass through will do!
“The Bridge of Flowers” is quite a unique place. When we were there, years ago, there were painters with their easels, completing the charm.
It is quite inspiring a place for artists!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful place, how lovely that you are close enough to visit often.
Thank you, Christina. It is one of my favorite places to visit around here – for obvious reasons! 🙂
Wow! Aren’t those dahlias just wonderful! I hope you have lots more chances to go there before it closes in the autumn… not least for the ice cream!
Yes, me too! Thanks, Cathy.
Wonderful photos of a beautiful spot.
Thank you, Belinda!
I loved the Dahlias. Do they label the flowers on display? That last one looks like my ‘Firepot’.
They do label – sometimes repeats don’t get labels, so you may have to hunt. I think you are right on the ID for the last one. It is a beauty.
It’s a beautiful creation.
It is – I’m grateful to those visionary ladies back in 1929!
Years ago, I lived in western Mass. and southern Vermont and saw signs for the Bridge of Flowers. I never knew what it was and never visited. So, I’m delighted to finally see it here!
Neat! What towns did you live in? I’ve lived in the Hilltowns most of my life, except for a lump of time in my youth when I traveled around testing other waters. The call of home drew me back after my first was born.
When I was growing up, we had a “camp” (and it was primitive in those days) in Whitingham, Vermont. I went to UMass Amherst and the drive up to Whitingham went up Rt 2 from Greenfield to Rt 112 through Colrain, right by the Bridge of Flowers. I also had friends in college who lived in Shelburne Falls and Charlemont. It’s a lovely area, I can understand why you returned.
You know my digs! I love it here. My son has many friends in S.VT, from growing up snowboarding at Mt.Snow. Next time you pass through, please let me know. 🙂
I don’t get down there often, but when I do I will let you know! I grew up skiing at Mt. Snow, Haystack, and Berkshire East (aka Thunder Mountain). Likewise, let me know the next time you get up to midcoast Maine.
My spouse was in Orono just yesterday, but only overnight for a business meeting. I contemplated going to maybe meet up with you and Laurie, but it seemed a long way to go for such a quick visit. I stayed home to tend the homestead, I had lots to do, per usual! But I’m keeping you in mind!
Thanks for this wonderful dahlia tour Eliza. I have to see if this is on route to Florida (or return) and maybe stop here!
Silly of me … MA was en route when we lived in Maine – haven’t had my coffee quite yet! I would like to visit here and you!
Next trip east, I’d love to share this with you!
I was there with my mum at this time of year … its really is a beautiful place to visit. You captured it so well Eliza 💛
Thank you, Val. So you know my corner of the state, between Kripalu and the Bridge of Fleurs!
How wonderful and ice cream to!
A winning combo! 🙂
Beautiful!
Thank you, Julie!
Gorgeous flowers Eliza.
Thank you, Maria!