Grounds & Gardens

Mercy by the Sea is located on 33 acres along the shore of Long Island Sound. Current Garden Projects can be found here. It has a small yet diverse ecology, ranging from wetlands, beach and woodlands to landscaped grounds and gardens.

Land Acknowledgment 

We acknowledge the ancient spirit of the Quinnipiac and Hammonasset tribes, whose footsteps graced this unceded land for countless generations. This earth—forest, rock, and shore—holds their stories, their songs, their sacred trust.

We pay our respect, honoring the elders and descendants past, present and emerging that tended these lands for generations. We recognize the enduring connection of Indigenous people to this territory.

We commit to live gently upon this land, nurturing its life as it nurtures us, and walking forward as humble guests and careful stewards—committed to heal the wounds of the past, and elevate the history, contributions and culture of Indigenous peoples.

Walking Path

A mile walking path has been developed around the property inviting you to slow down and take in the beauty of the land. Clearly marked with Wayfinders and thoughtful signage along the route, the path is easy to follow and welcoming to all. Guests will find a map and Reflection Guide available in their rooms and at the front desk. We invite you to explore the diverse features of the landscape while enjoying moments of quiet reflection and meditation on the Word of creation.

Gardens

Starting in the spring, a veritable kaleidoscope of flowering plants grace the grounds, including daffodils, irises, old garden roses and day lilies. The garden blooms join their wild sisters–the dandelion, mint, jack-in-the-pulpits, bluets, buttercups and beach roses.

There is a pollinator garden with native flowers and plants that provide food (nectar/pollen) and nesting sites for vital pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths, to support their life cycles and help our food systems. No pesticides are used, creating a safe haven to reverse pollinator decline and boost our ecosystems and biodiversity.

The previous owner, W.T. Grant, loved trees and so the grounds are replete with flowering trees and bushes such as lilacs, mountain laurel and rhododendron as well as maples, oaks, and weeping beeches, as well as more exotic trees such as the laburnum or golden chain tree.

Garden Volunteers

In 2012, Mercy by the Sea was accepted as an outreach project of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Master Gardener Program. Every year, interns rotate through the UConn program and, as part of their internship, they spend time at Mercy by the Sea, tending the various gardens. Most years, several stay on to continue gardening at the Center. Along with other garden volunteers, they help with removing invasive plants, mulching, weeding, and planting. Mercy by the Sea is extremely appreciative of our volunteers who care for the grounds and gardens.