Extraordinary Gardens
After a particularly wet spring, this summer is the season to step outside and fully appreciate nature’s bounty. The perfect tool to utilize in the quest to see exceptional landscape in your area is the Open Days program of The Garden Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of extraordinary gardens.
The Conservancy strives to ensure that the exceptional gardens of today will flourish tomorrow. Their mission includes assistance with property rescue and maintenance as well as advice on donating gardens to provide public access on a permanent basis.
For a donation of a mere $5, the gates of some of the most beautiful private gardens swing open and visitors may saunter in to feast their eyes. Open Days is a rare opportunity to take in many gardens and glean knowledge of what works in your area.
Gardeners live by regions. That is to say, the nation is divided up into areas called regions and advice on what works where, is based on these regions. For example, the town of Copake, New York is situated in region 5B. This location is a great place to learn which plants are most suitable for your garden if you live nearby.
A real bonanza for novices and aficionados alike, is planned for Open Days on August 17. For those interested in touring Columbia County, three beauties await. In Copake Falls stop by to see Margaret Roach, the brains behind the book “The Backyard Parables,” and the blog “A Way to Garden.” Roach is interested in the pursuit of gardening as a year-round event and is particularly focused on attracting wildlife - the non-harmful variety of course. Birds and frogs are welcomed with open arms and hospitable habitats.
Next in line is the home of Kevin Lee Jacobs, creator of the website, a garden for the house. This locale in Valatie has many exciting features including a secret garden. In Ancramdale, Sue and Art Bassin of Cricket Hill Farm offer enticing sections named “Sedum Allée, Chuckery and the Canyon.”
In Dutchess County, a gorgeous vista compliments the Hyland/Wente residence. The property overlooks Indian Mountain and Indian Lake. A path meanders down to the lake and meadows of wildflowers abound.
In Hyde Park, a floral wonderland, designed in 1912 by the famed landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand, is sure to astonish. A self-guided audio tour adds the historical perspective. In Rhinebeck, Cedar Heights Orchard features a view of the Catskills and a sizable vegetable and cutting garden.