Discover Long Island’s Garden Treasures: Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum, and Clark Botanic Garden

Long Island is best known for its golden beaches, lively hamlets, and storied estates. Yet nestled among its suburban landscapes are some of the most remarkable horticultural and historical destinations in New York: Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum, and Clark Botanic Garden. Each offers a unique glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and cultivated past, from Gilded Age grandeur to arboretum-style biodiversity and intimate local gardens.

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links, meaning I will receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. This helps support my blog and enables me to continue creating articles like this.

This guide takes you through each destination in detail, highlighting its history, landscapes, seasonal experiences, and practical visitor tips. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply searching for a tranquil escape, these three gardens are essential stops on any Long Island itinerary.

Old Westbury Gardens: A Gilded Age Estate in Bloom

The History of Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens is one of Long Island’s most celebrated estates, often hailed as a living monument to the Gilded Age. Built in 1906 for John S. Phipps and his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, the mansion and surrounding grounds reflect English country style combined with American innovation. Designed by architect George A. Crawley, the mansion boasts exquisite interiors, while the surrounding 200 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, and lakes bring the estate to life.

The Phipps family, part of the American industrial elite, lived here for decades. When the estate was opened to the public in 1959, it became a cultural and horticultural landmark, preserving not just a mansion but an entire lifestyle.

The Gardens and Landscapes of Old Westbury

Walking through Old Westbury Gardens is like stepping into a series of outdoor “rooms,” each carefully designed for visual impact. Some highlights include:

• The Walled Garden: Bursting with seasonal color, it showcases perennial borders, sculpted hedges, and vibrant blooms.
• The Rose Garden: With hundreds of rose bushes in full bloom by June, this space radiates romance.
• The Temple of Love: A charming classical structure overlooking a pond, perfect for photography and contemplation.
• The Woodlands and Lakes: Natural areas that contrast with the formal gardens, offering shaded paths and reflective waters.

Events and Cultural Programs at Old Westbury

Old Westbury Gardens isn’t just a horticultural wonder—it’s also a cultural hub. Throughout the year, the estate hosts classical concerts, family programs, vintage car shows, horticulture classes, and seasonal festivals. The Halloween and holiday programs, which often feature light displays and themed tours, are especially popular with families.

Seasonal Highlights at Old Westbury Gardens

• Spring: Tulips, daffodils, and flowering trees bring the gardens alive.
• Summer: Roses and water lilies dominate, alongside outdoor concerts.
• Fall: Brilliant foliage, chrysanthemum displays, and harvest-themed events.
• Winter: Though the gardens rest, indoor tours and special programs keep the estate engaging year-round.

Visitor Information: Planning Your Trip

• Location: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY
• Hours: Typically open April through October, with select off-season events.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a picnic, and check the event calendar for special happenings.

Planting Fields Arboretum: Long Island’s Horticultural Paradise

The History of Planting Fields Arboretum

Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is a 409-acre estate and public arboretum that once belonged to William Robertson Coe and his wife, heiress Mai Rogers Coe. Designed in the early 20th century, the estate combines historic architecture with world-class horticultural collections. The centerpiece, Coe Hall, is a Tudor Revival mansion surrounded by sweeping lawns, woodlands, and themed gardens.

The estate became a public arboretum in 1952, preserving its collections for education and enjoyment. Today, it remains one of Long Island’s premier destinations for plant lovers.

Arboretum Collections and Gardens

Planting Fields is not just a beautiful estate—it’s a living museum of plants. Its diversity is unmatched on Long Island. Some of the highlights include:

• The Italian Blue Pool Garden: A striking formal garden featuring fountains, pergolas, and Mediterranean plantings.
• The Camellia Greenhouse: Home to one of the largest collections of camellias in the northeast.
• The Main Greenhouse: Filled with tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal displays.
• The Dahlia Garden: Late summer brings vibrant dahlia blooms in every shape and color.
• The Arboretum Grounds: Featuring rare tree species, sweeping lawns, and walking trails through woodlands and open meadows.

Cultural Events and Programs at Planting Fields

Planting Fields hosts art exhibits, horticulture workshops, family-friendly events, and seasonal festivals. Highlights include the Camellia Festival in February, summer lawn concerts, and autumn harvest celebrations. Coe Hall also offers period tours that bring the estate’s history to life.

Seasonal Highlights at Planting Fields Arboretum

• Spring: Azaleas, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
• Summer: Dahlias, tropical greenhouse displays, and evening concerts.
• Fall: Maples, oaks, and other trees provide a spectacular foliage show.
• Winter: The camellias bloom indoors, making the greenhouses a haven in the cold months.

Visitor Information: Planning Your Trip

• Location: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY
• Hours: Open daily, year-round.
• Tips: Wear layered clothing if visiting the greenhouses, and set aside several hours to explore both Coe Hall and the expansive grounds.

Before you plan your next getaway, take a moment to explore within.

My book, Let Yourself Bloom: Affirmations to Nourish Your Spirit, along with its accompanying guided journal and coffee table edition, was created to inspire courage, curiosity, and self-belief—no matter where life takes you. The journey starts with one choice: to live fully and fearlessly.

Discover your next source of inspiration here 👉 

Clark Botanic Garden: An Intimate Jewel of Long Island

The History of Clark Botanic Garden

Tucked away in Albertson, the Clark Botanic Garden is a 12-acre oasis created in 1969 on the former estate of Grenville Clark, a lawyer and philanthropist. Unlike the grand estates of Old Westbury and Planting Fields, Clark Botanic Garden was designed as a true public garden from the start, meant for education and community engagement.

Today, it serves as both a horticultural showcase and a neighborhood retreat.

Gardens and Plant Collections

Though smaller in scale, Clark Botanic Garden offers a surprisingly diverse array of landscapes. Its themed areas include:

• The Rose Garden: With a curated collection of rose varieties.
• The Native Plant Garden: Highlighting plants indigenous to Long Island.
• The Rock Garden: Featuring alpine and drought-tolerant species.
• The Wetland and Pond Area: Providing habitat for aquatic plants, frogs, and birds.
• Perennial Borders: Changing with the seasons, offering continuous color.

Programs and Community Engagement

Clark Botanic Garden shines through its community-centered programming. It hosts seasonal plant sales, gardening workshops, outdoor concerts, children’s nature programs, and educational tours for schools. Its intimate scale makes it especially welcoming for families and casual visitors.

Seasonal Highlights at Clark Botanic Garden

• Spring: Early bulbs, magnolias, and native wildflowers.
• Summer: Roses, perennials, and pollinator-friendly blooms.
• Fall: A stunning collection of ornamental grasses and autumn foliage.
• Winter: Evergreens and winterberry plantings offer beauty even in the cold months.

Visitor Information: Planning Your Trip

• Location: 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson, NY
• Hours: Generally open year-round with varying seasonal hours.
• Tips: Perfect for shorter visits; check their calendar for plant sales and concerts.

Comparing Long Island’s Top Gardens

While each garden has its own personality, together they tell a story of Long Island’s cultural and horticultural heritage:

• Old Westbury Gardens: Best for those interested in history, grandeur, and Gilded Age architecture.
• Planting Fields Arboretum: Ideal for plant enthusiasts, with vast collections and historic Coe Hall.
• Clark Botanic Garden: A community-oriented space, intimate and educational, perfect for families.

Practical Tips for Visiting Long Island’s Gardens

1. Plan for the Season: Each garden offers different highlights at different times of year.
2. Check Event Calendars: From concerts to plant sales, these gardens host events that enrich the visit.
3. Wear Comfortable Footwear: Expect a lot of walking, especially at Old Westbury and Planting Fields.
4. Bring a Camera: Each garden provides countless photo opportunities.
5. Support the Gardens: Memberships and donations help preserve these spaces for generations.

Why These Gardens Matter Today

In a fast-paced world, places like Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum, and Clark Botanic Garden remind us of the enduring power of beauty, history, and nature. They connect us to Long Island’s past while offering a sanctuary for reflection and growth. Visiting them is more than a day out—it’s a journey into the heart of horticulture, culture, and community.

Your Guide to Long Island’s Garden Escapes

Whether you’re strolling through the grandeur of Old Westbury Gardens, marveling at the diversity of Planting Fields Arboretum, or savoring the charm of Clark Botanic Garden, Long Island offers a rich tapestry of horticultural treasures. Each destination complements the other, giving you three unique ways to experience nature, history, and culture on one remarkable island.

If you’re planning a visit, consider setting aside a weekend to explore all three. Together, they represent the very best of Long Island’s gardens—a blend of history, beauty, and community that continues to bloom year after year.