Plant yourself in a “blooming” state of mind this month by touring a public garden or visiting one of New York State’s many flower festivals. Connect with nature, relax in the aromatic air and feast your eyes on all the floral beauty New York has to offer. Here’s a list of our favorite flower events and gardens to mark on your calendar — because spring just isn’t complete without flowers!
INNISFREE GARDEN
Located in Millbrook, Innisfree honors the human experience of interacting with nature. Innisfree has been described as one of the most pure, beautiful and diverse gardens to visit. The grounds have been recognized as one of the “world’s ten best gardens” by Rory Stuart in What are Gardens For? Experiencing, Making and Thinking about Gardens.
For New Yorkers who haven't already been, Innisfree is a must-see this spring or summer. For information on planning your visit, see their website for hours and directions.
Innisfree Garden. Photo From: The Millbrook Independent
SHARON SPRINGS GARDEN PARTY
The annual Garden Party at Sharon Springs is the perfect event to get you in a springtime mood. The festival is a “celebration of everything that grows,” and features a market of over 100 vendors offering seeds, plants, handmade goods and food. The festival will be held on May 27 & 28, 2017.
Photo Credit: Beekman 1802 Boys
ROSE GARDEN WEEKEND AT NEW YORK BOTANIC GARDEN
On Saturday, June 3rd, and Sunday, June 4th, New York Botanic Garden presents Rose Garden Weekend. The weekend features live music, demonstrations on plant and flower care, tours of the garden with expert rosarians, and refreshments. Tickets are available online. NYBG, in the Bronx, is always an enchanting day-trip destination, with all 28 spectacular gardens. The focus in early June is the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, which will be bursting with roses in all different colors, sizes, and arrangements.
Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. Photo Credit: The New York Botanical Garden
Yaddo, the famous retreat for artists, is located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York. In addition to a legendary creative space, Yaddo boasts impressive rose and rock gardens that all aspiring writers and artists are welcome to tour. All the creative inspiration you need is lingering in the garden, and you may even glean some wisdom from working residents while there. The roses of Yaddo begin blooming in mid-June, and tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays until Labor Day. Admission is $10 per person, and tours begin at 11 a.m.
Artists' Quarters at Yaddo. Photo Credit: Yaddo
PLANTS OF GEORGIA O’KEEFFE TOUR AT BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN
This tour is a must-see for art lovers. Held in connection with the Brooklyn Museum, it explores the flowers, plants, and images that inspired the painter recognized as the mother of American Modernism. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe tour and you may even be inspired to pick up a paint brush of your own. This tour runs on Sundays starting June 25th, continuing through July 23rd from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pink Tulip by Georgia O'Keeffe, 1926. Oil on canvas.
WILDFLOWER ISLAND AT TEATOWN PRESERVE
Wildflower Island is a two acre sanctuary to over 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers, located on Teatown Preserve in Ossining. Every weekend visitors can take a guided tour of the island, experiencing a colorful and diverse visual treat, while learning extensively about plant varieties and their history across New York state. Wildflower Island is a truly spectacular refuge to the rare and lovely florals.
Wildflower Island at Teatown Preserve. Photo Credit: Teatown Preserve
KING’S GARDEN AT FORT TICONDEROGA
King’s Garden features brick pathways for long, leisurely strolls while admiring varieties of flowers and plants. The Garden also offers educational horticulture programs for gardeners looking for information and inspiration. With programs like “Making Sense of Lavender,” and “Divide & Conquer - Daylilies,” a visit to King’s Garden leaves visitors not only with a memorable sensory experience, but awesome tips on how to improve their own gardening skills. Find the full schedule of events this year on their website.
King's Garden at Fort Ticonderoga. Photo Credit: Fort Ticonderoga
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