Anthurium
Gardening is a gift that keeps on giving – and this is especially true of the Planting Fields Arboretum, a jewel of a gift on Long Island’s Gold Coast.
William Robertson Coe, who made his fortune in marine insurance, built the mansion in 1921 in the style of a 16th century Elizabethan country home – but it’s the park-like 409-acre estate, designed by the Olmsted brothers, that brings gardening enthusiasts, walkers, brides, and myself back in time.
Part of the fun of wandering the grounds is the chance to get lost on the pebbled paths,
all of which are lined with tall trees and shade-loving plants . . .
. . . like hostas.
Around every corner is a bride and groom’s photo op.
A close-up of Crepe Myrtle ruffles.
The Tea House was storybook-like . . .
. . . and its view of the Italian Garden had me convinced that this is all I need to be completely happy.
Until I arrived at the Main Greenhouse. . .
. . . with its Tropical Room, overflowing with colorful blooms, like. . .
. . . Ginger . . .
. . . and unknown beauties. . .
. . . and Bird of Paradise.
Adjacent to the Tropical Room was a room dedicated to all things Begonia.
Then came a room filled with the Orchid collection.
If you visit, remember to look up.
Inside the Orchid room, I noticed the rooting of something valuable.
It was kept under lock and key.
As you wander from room to room, the climate changes. Here is the Cactus room.
Some species looked like they arrived from another climate on another planet.
Yes, gardening is a gift that keeps on giving. Give yourselves a gift, and take time to visit your local arboretum or botanical garden. They are truly gardens of inspiration, imagination, and relaxation — and those are gifts we could all use.
Happy gardening!
Posted by Robert Bornstein on August 18, 2012 at 1:43 pm
I think I went there once! Does it also have a ton of Dahlia flower beds as well? I never saw to many at one place.
Posted by Kevin on August 18, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Hi Robert. I didn’t see any Dahlia beds — but there were groves of Rhododendrons and a rose garden. Unfortunately, the summer heat has taken its toll on some of the plantings. If I visit again, I would probably return in May.
Posted by Jason on August 18, 2012 at 2:38 pm
I remember going there several times when I was growing up on Long Island. What I remember best are the enormous copper beeches.
Posted by Kevin on August 18, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Good news. They’re still there. It’s been decades since I was there, as well. It’s nice to see that it’s as beautiful as ever.
Posted by Bloomin’ Update 32: Lost In The Planting Fields | Pattu's terrace Garden on August 18, 2012 at 2:48 pm
[...] Bloomin’ Update 32: Lost In The Planting Fields Posted on 19/08/2012 by gardenerat60 Bloomin’ Update 32: Lost In The Planting Fields. [...]
Posted by Astrid on August 18, 2012 at 7:26 pm
What a lovely place! If we ever get back to Long Island, this will definitely be a destination spot!!
(we were on Long Island once in the late 90′s and all I saw was the mall that had Bloomingdale’s in it!)
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:21 am
Posted by sharon on August 18, 2012 at 8:24 pm
the unknown grapey thing is a medinilla….got one outside
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:24 am
Hi Sharon. Thanks for the ID. I couldn’t find a label in the greenhouse and I thought the colors were beautiful.
Posted by Reed Pugh on August 18, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Gotta love plants under lock and key, only a horticulturist.
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:25 am
Posted by Jeevan on August 19, 2012 at 5:55 am
Wonderful photos from this little fairyland! Orchids are very beautiful and as well the blossom of Cactus.
Happy Sunday
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:26 am
Hello Jeevan. I’m glad you liked the orchids. They really are spectacular — and who knew that a cactus could be so rewarding! Thanks for commenting.
Posted by Bridget on August 19, 2012 at 5:55 am
Fantastic! I enjoyed that virtual visit.
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:26 am
Hi Bridget. I was happy to be your tour guide!
Posted by Lona on August 19, 2012 at 9:21 am
I love tours like this Kevin of places that I would never see. What a beautiful assortment of blooms. The Bird of Paradise blooms always intrigue me with their colors and shapes. Gorgeous shots.
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:28 am
Glad you liked it. I agree with you about the Birds of Paradise — only Nature could throw those colors together.
Posted by Three Well Beings on August 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm
What beauty! I loved the tea house, too. There are some features of this lovely estate that remind me of the Huntington Botanical Gardens we frequent, but what always intrigues me are the differences in what grows well in each environment. I rarely see Hostas and some of the other beauties are not common in our region. Your photos are just great! Debra
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:29 am
Hi Debra. The arboreta (arboretums) truly highlight what can do well locally. It’s a great way to get some inspiration if you’re interested in starting a garden.
Posted by Holleygarden on August 19, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Oh, my! Look at that Tropical Room! I can see why you were in heaven in the Greenhouse! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Thanks for the tour!
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 10:30 am
You are very welcome. I do think I could live under glass.
Posted by Promenade Claire on August 20, 2012 at 11:04 am
Gardens like these are simply splendid, well apart from the odd bride or three
Posted by Kevin on August 20, 2012 at 2:22 pm
I agree. I enjoy seeing how the other half lives — or used to live.
Posted by Garden Walk Garden Talk on August 20, 2012 at 9:10 pm
I was never there, so thanks for the images. It does look like a great place for bridal shots.
Posted by Kevin on August 21, 2012 at 7:15 am
There are lots of locations on the grounds for photos. It’s actually like a well choreographed carousel, with bridal parties and photographers walking to each of the locations.
Posted by Marguerite on August 21, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Love the view of the house just beyond the Italian garden, so picturesque hidden behind those lovely mature trees. Thanks for the tour.
Posted by Kevin on August 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Hi Marguerite. Glad you enjoyed the tour. That particular garden was my favorite on the estate — although I was a bit tempted to jump in!
Posted by Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening on August 22, 2012 at 8:53 am
This is one of my favorite places to visit on the Island. I went there for the first time last summer and have been addicted ever since-went there twice this season and wrote too posts on it!!! It is beautiful. Also try Old Westbury Gardens….also magnificent! Thank you for allowing me to re-visit again!
Posted by Kevin on August 22, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Hi Lee. You bring up a good point about revisiting. These are certainly locations that should be observed and enjoyed in all seasons.
Posted by namitasunder on August 22, 2012 at 10:59 pm
wow….
Posted by Kevin on August 23, 2012 at 10:21 am
Hi Namita. Glad you enjoyed the trip!
Posted by Jean on August 24, 2012 at 9:20 pm
What a treat! It looks like a wonderful garden to visit.
Posted by Kevin on August 25, 2012 at 7:42 pm
It’s really a beautiful place — and they very often have concerts, which makes the gardens even more lovely.