This Month in the Garden: A Visit to the Peconic River Herb Farm Long Island, New York

Welcome to This Month in the Garden!

Welcome to the first This Month in the Garden, a new monthly meme that will start off the beginning of each month with posts all to do about gardening! This new meme is an extension of the previous This Month's Color in the Garden and will cover a broader range of topics including places to visit, feature plants, garden design, color in the garden, garden structure, maintenance and more. For the first edition, come along and explore a wonderful autumn getaway to the Peconic River Herb Farm, right here on Long Island!

Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

The Peconic River Herb Farm was established in 1986 along the Peconic River on the eastern end of Long Island in Calverton, New York. The farm consists of 14 acres of display gardens, eight greenhouses, a garden shop and picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the view. The farm is a huge draw to visitors from all over and as the name implies, they are known for their extensive variety of herbs, which you can purchase and grow. While there, you may want to take in all the beauty the location has to offer by strolling through the gardens. Come along for a quick tour!

Garden Shed Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

The story of the Herb Farm began in the late fall/winter of 1986. While expecting her second child, Cristina Spindler was looking for a small farm/garden where she could set up a business selling garden related products, whether it be cut flowers, vegetables, fruits or maybe even herbs. Having just completed the horticulture program at Suffolk Community Collage, Cristina decided to construct a small 14 x 24’ hoop house to grow vegetable and herb plants. A life changing bus trip to the famed Caprilands herb farm in Coventry Connecticut sealed the deal for herbs, and that's where it all started. The grand opening of the Peconic River Herb Farm was on May 15th, 1986, and the farm is now in its 31st year, a dream come true.

Hydrangea Walk Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

I have been visiting the farm for a number of years and it is constantly growing as it expands on the fourteen acres it lies on. Wonderful rustic style arbors and pergolas grace the landscape with beautiful vines and hydrangea and as you walk through the opening, there is a view of the Peconic River in the background.

Frog Pond Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

A planked boardwalk takes you to the frog pond, where you can experience local wildlife, and if you stay a couple of minutes you are likely to see some of the inhabitants! The pond was built a few years after the construction of the Tool Shed and Log Cabin by digging out a naturally wet area with a backhoe. It is called a groundwater or dugout pond.

 Pond Area Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

The pond area is surrounded by an array of interesting plantings.

Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Here is Callicarpa americana, also known as Beautyberry. Beautyberry is a native shrub of the southern U.S. which is often grown as an ornamental in the landscape. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 6-10, prefers full sun to partial shade and grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet. You will immediately notice its bright purple berries as you enter the farm in the fall.

Calicarpa americana (Beautyberry) October Berries

One of my favorite things about the herb farm (besides the shopping!) is the beauty that lies there. It is the perfect spot for some photography. Let's continue along and take a look.

Cypress Tree at edge of Frog Pond-Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

The Cypress trees that border the algae-rich waters of the frog pond make for a lovely space to stop, relax and gaze into the woods.

Frog Pond Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

As autumn sets in and the forest starts to transition, the colorful views become even more dramatic.

Local Wildlife at the Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Here is some of the local wildlife.

Birch Trees-Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Birch trees add to the scenery while venturing towards the edge of the river.

Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Take in the view for a moment.

Come sit and relax at the Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

These adorable swings call out saying, "What's the hurry? Come...sit and relax for a while!"

Unusual Cypress Roots at Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Here is an interesting tidbit. These strange roots are referred to as cypress knees. They are woody projections sent up above the water level of cypress trees, especially in swampy areas. Scientists are not sure of the purpose of these "knees", but early theories proposed that they were used for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere. Later studies found that this was not the case and it is now believed that their purpose is for stabilization, since cypress trees found in wet areas tend to have these extensions, while those in dry areas do not. It is still a bit of a mystery to some.

Lone tree Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Bottle Art Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

I love the bottle art and sculptures that can be found in many areas of the farm. It adds such whimsy to an already beautiful place.

Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Here is the infamous herb section, where you can find just about any herb for your indoor or outdoor garden, and some flowers too!

 Greenhouse Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Greenhouse Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Pretty Planter Combo-Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Here's just one of the numerous planter boxes sold at the farm.

Garden Structure Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Greenhouse Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

Tool Shed Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

All the structures on the farm were built by the Spindlers themselves starting 35 years ago. This adorable Tool Shed was the very first building constructed, which served as a place to get out of the weather and store tools while the couple was building the main log cabin. 

View of Peconic River

More Blooms!

Garden Shop Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

This visit to the farm made for the perfect day. Be sure to make plans to come down to the south shore of Long Island along the Peconic River. That's where you will find this fabulous place to visit, shop and take in the view! The farm is open by appointment only starting in November, so be sure to put this on your to do list for next season! 

Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton, NY

 Peconic River Herb Farm

2749 River Road Calverton, NY 11933

April-June:  9am-5pm 

July-October:  9am-4pm  
March and November by appointment
December-February Closed for the Season 

I hope you enjoyed the first post of This Month in the Garden. Watch for this meme on the first of each month. Next, join me for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th! See you around the garden!

 Linking with: Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal and Dishing It & Digging It.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved