The Westport Local Press

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Willowbrook Cemetery's Annual Flower Show in Full Bloom

The main section of "Daffodil Mile" which runs throughout the grounds at Willowbrook is bursting with color.

Historic Willowbrook Cemetery, established in 1847 by several local farmers and businessmen, is an important part of the town's history - with many of its founding fathers buried here.

But to many locals and visitors who pass by each day in April, it is home to the spectacular display of daffodils that have come to be known as "Daffodil Mile". The "Mile" is a favorite location for passers-by photographing themselves and their friends, especially the two-legged kind. Willowbrook's beautiful grounds and it’s featured specimen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed anytime, especially in Spring. There are more than 25,000 daffodils throughout the grounds, however most people only see the massive linear display which borders the pond and stream alongside Main Street/Route 57. Part of the beauty of this Westport gem can be attributed to possibly the most well known landscape architect of all time: Frederick Law Olmstead, known as the “Father of American Landscape Architecture”, who as many will know, is the architect of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and of course, New York's Central Park. Olmstead, who also worked on Bridgeport's Beardsley Park, came on board when he met Willowbrook's founder, Ambrose Hurlbutt while working on Hurlbutt's friend Morris Ketchum's Westport property - today known as Hockanum Park. For more on the interesting history and property visit the history tab at WillowbrookCemetery.com

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.