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| Old Westbury Gardens |
This past autumn I had the pleasure of spending a day at the beautiful Old Westbury Gardens, located in Old Westbury, on the north shore of Long Island. Every visit is just as amazing as the last with garden walks, individual garden rooms and natural woodland paths. The 1900's Charles II-style mansion and former home of the Phipps family beholds a wealth of local history and is complemented by the meticulously groomed grounds it is located on. The gardens change seasonally, always supplying something new to experience and appreciate.
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| Old Westbury Gardens 1900's Mansion (Marble, Brick and Wrought Iron with Gold Foil Trim) |
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| Rose Arbor and Walk |
Heading towards the gardens, a brick path surrounded by a natural arbor with intertwining climbing roses and clematis leads the way to the rose garden.
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| Old Westbury Rose Garden |
Brick pathways and Boxwood hedges surround tea roses which are still in bloom going into October.
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| Old Westbury Rose Garden (Tea Rose) |
One of my favorite times of year to visit the gardens is at the end of September/beginning of October when the Dahlia garden is at its peak. Here are a couple of the many varieties of Dahlia that are present at Old Westbury and maintained by the Dahlia Society and community volunteers.
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| Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Barbarry Ideal) |
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| Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Aitara Caress) |
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| Thatched Cottage Old Westbury |
This charming Thatched Cottage was constructed for the Phipps youngest daughter as a playhouse with gardens surrounding it of many blooms. Bright yellow Helianthus angustifolius (Narrow Leaf Sunflower) can be seen at this time of year.
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| Scenic Bridge |
Autumn is a nice time of year to take in a view of the lake by crossing over the bridge to the other side.
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| Lake Trail Old Westbury |
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| Temple of Love Old Westbury |
Once you get to the other side be sure to stop by the romantic Temple of Love, a marble and wrought iron gazebo overlooking the pond. If you look closely you can see the reflection of the mansion in the distance.
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| Fall Foliage |
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| Fall Blooming Crocus |
Along the woodland Lake Trail, a variety of plants can be seen including these Fall Crocus, fully in bloom for the months of September through October.
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| Beech Tree Old Westbury Grounds |
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| Old Westbury Wall Garden Lotus Pond |
Following the path back around you will encounter the magnificent Walled Garden with wrought iron gazebos and evergreens for structure, a beautiful lotus pond and an abundance of every kind of bloom you can imagine. The gardens are carefully planned with a constant and ever changing sequence of color.
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| Old Westbury Walled Garden Autumn |
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| Lotus Flower |
Beauty on land and in water.
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| Old Westbury Walled Garden Gazebo |
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| Autumn Blooms Old Westbury Gardens (Purple Asters) |
Around this bend are colorful mass plantings of Solidago, Asters, Dahlias, Chrysanthemum, Heleniums, Salvias, Snakeroot and more...true beauty highlighting the Walled Garden in autumn.
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| Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens-Solidago 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) |
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| Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens |
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| Japanese Lily |
This was an interesting bloom so I just had to photograph. The marker in front of it identified it as a Japanese Lily. It looks somewhat like a cross between a hibiscus and a poppy and I have not seen it anywhere before. I enjoy running across species I am not familiar with so it's always a learning experience at the gardens.
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| Old Westbury Gardens |
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Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens
If you are looking for a relaxing day strolling through colorful gardens with a little local history thrown in, then Old Westbury Gardens could be the place for you. The estate has something to offer for every time of year, including gardening lectures, musical entertainment and holiday events. It's a bit chilly here on Long Island right now but if you check out their calendar there may be an event to experience...or just put it onto your list for next spring! I hope you enjoyed the virtual visit!
For more information on operating hours and upcoming events visit their website at
Old Westbury Gardens.
Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved
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Lee, what a beautiful garden! I'd love to stroll in rose arbor and to see Beech Tree and to relax in walled garden. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful Nadezda and one of my favorite places to visit. I am glad you enjoyed the virtual tour as winter is approaching.
DeleteI am just sick that all the times I visit my Cousin in Hampton's, I never got to see all these fabulous homes and gardens. I almost cried because I wanted to see that world 's fair ground. We were late for a wedding, in Westbury.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a road trip is in order Yvonne. You can view the gardens in about 3 hours and also see the World's fair ground in the same day. You would love both!
DeleteOh my goodness what a beautiful garden – it has all the things I love, all in one place! The plants and flowers are stunning, but I could not get my eyes off the hard landscaping. After having lived in UK for 16 years I have grown to love all these things like the rose arbour walk, the thatched cottage, the bridge, oh and the folly, the Temple of Love – amazing :-) And then topped with a pond and beautiful wrought iron railing – yes, a delightful garden you have visited, thanks for letting me tag along :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome Helene and I enjoyed your wonderful words! It is always a pleasure to view these beautiful gardens and to look at photographs of them...especially in the cold winter months. I always dream of the warmer days when I can go visit them again, and it never gets old! Enjoy your week!
DeleteWhat a lovely place! The flowers are just gorgeous as is the architecture.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed Betty. It is my favorite botanical garden to visit here on the island and I have a fondness for the Walled Garden and the Temple of Love...both so beautiful!
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