The Bridge of Flowers
4 Bridge Street
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 01370
The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, is touted as “the only one of its kind in the world.” The 400-foot long bridge is a plant-lover’s paradise, as it’s covered in flowers expertly planted to ensure they bloom continuously from April to October.
The bridge’s famous flora includes 500 varieties of flowers, vines, and shrubs, many of the rare or historical varieties. The plants, which hug either side of the narrow walkway across the bridge, are labeled to satisfy the curiosity of interested visitors. (excerpt from Atlas Obscura)
Today, the Bridge of Flowers is a perfect example of a mixed border, with flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, bulbs and annuals that keep the Bridge in glorious bloom from April 1 to October 30. They are cared for by the volunteer Blossom Brigade. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors from as far away as China come to admire the Bridge and take away happy memories of a small rural town with a great beauty at its heart. (excerpt and image from Shelburne Falls website)
The day-to-day maintenance of the Bridge of Flowers is overseen by a committee of the Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club (SFAWC). All are volunteers. Each member of the Bridge of Flowers Committee assumes responsibility for a different aspect of the bridge, including maintenance, publicity, budget, and liaison to area businesses.
**IMPORTANT NEWS**
The Bridge of Flowers will be closed for the 2024 season.
Members of the Bridge of Flowers Committee; a subcommittee of the SFAWC and managers of the gardens; and the Shelburne Falls Fire District, who owns the bridge, have been working with the engineering firm of Tighe & Bond for a few years preparing for the reconstruction of our beautiful Bridge. We understand this is a hardship for our visitors and for our towns however, this is a necessary closure. The Bridge will reopen in Spring 2025 with new railings, a new pathway, new plantings (and many current plantings) AND most importantly a new water main and repairs to the infrastructure. These structural repairs will assure that our Bridge of Flowers will be enjoyed by future generations.
Website: https://www.bridgeofflowersmass.org
Image Credits: bridgeofflowers,org unless otherwise stated
