Old Westbury Gardens:Blog Garden

Irene's Visit to the Gardens

2011-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

We've received lots of inquiries via phone, email, and Facebook asking whether the Gardens suffered any damage due to Hurricane Irene. According to our Director of Horticulture, Maura McGoldrick-Brush, who surveyed the property during the storm, the Gardens did suffer quite a bit of damage due to downed limbs and trees, but no significant damage to structures (except for the arbor along the Primrose Path, left). Extensive damage to the property was significantly reduced as a result of a tree maintenance program conducted in collaboration with Bartlett Tree Experts http://www.bartlett.com/index.cfm .

White Pines and Silver Maples were the trees most affected by the hurricane. Both types grow fast (that is why they are so popular), however, this trait results in weak limbs susceptible to heavy winds. In recent years the Gardens has been systematically trimming or cabling these species as well as other trees whose falling limbs are likely to damage nearby structures. As these trees are removed due to disease or other issues, their replacements are of sturdier types, for example the new sugar maples planted on the North Lawn.

As noted above the most serious damage to a structure was due to a large limb of the silver maple by the Thatched Cottage. This limb cracked and crush approximately 20' of the arbor along the Primrose Path. Fortunately proper cabling prevented any damage to the Cottage.

Saturated ground contributed to a linden along the eastern side of the South Allee being uprooted by the heavy winds. Unfortunately the tree fell towards the west and damage the Canadian hemlock along side it.

Clean-up of the debris is still underway and will probably continue through October, especially in the woodland areas along the edges of the property (the tree to the left is by the service entrance). The horticulture and operations staff put in long hours in the early part of the week readying the Gardens for visitors when it reopened on Wednesday. This will be a busy fall as the storm clean-up will go right into leaf clean-up and bulb planting. All photos by OWG Staff Member Vince Kish.

Goodnight Gardens, Hello Spring!

2011-04-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Finally! The weather's warmed after the long, long, looooonnnng winter of 2010/ 2011.
And with April showers come welcome spring flowers care of our extraordinary volunteer gardeners last fall.

Those that joined last November's Goodnight Gardens event have helped to beautify our lake trail this spring. Over 200 daffodil bulbs were planted to add to the sweeping view of our naturalistic waterside walk. Daffodils, one of the most animal resistant bulbs available, are a priority for spring color in the area, a favorite home and habitat to local wildlife.

Thank you, thank you to everyone who contributed!

Be sure to seek out the work of these horticultural heroes when you visit the Gardens this weekend.

If these Westbury House walls could talk...

2011-04-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Junior Girl Scout troop #3407 for visiting yesterday afternoon! 9 girls and their leaders listened to tales of Phipps family life over 100 years ago and chatted Local Lore to reveal even more of Long Island's local history. The troop studied early 1900's maps of the community to discover land changes that have taken place over the past century and brainstormed new ways to better our island in the future. Ideas like graffiti cleanup, park restoration, and even camera sensitive irrigation systems were hashed out! These big thinkers were more than strictly business... Take a look at a few fun shots below. Thanks again troop #3407, you zany leaders of tomorrow!

Girl Scout troop # 3407

2011-04-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

The 21st Annual Long Island Festival of Trees

2010-11-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

If you're considering gathering the kids for a little 3AM doorbuster bonding, here's a better idea! Skip the Black Friday craziness to make some real holiday memories with the family while supporting a great cause.

Join the 21st Annual Long Island Festival of Trees at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association. View designer-decorated trees from Old Westbury Gardens and 40 non-profits spanning a variety of themes from Twas the Night Before Christmas to Environmental Education to a Mexican Fiesta! Enjoy continuous live entertainment, Dept 56 shoppe, gingerbread village, vendor marketplace, toy shops, food, and much more.

I have it on good authority that the big man himself will make an appearance. That's right- I'm talking Santa, folks.

This is one event not to miss. Revive yourself from that turkey coma and join in on the fun!

The 21st Annual Long Island Festival of Trees

Friday, November 26th 11AM-6PM

Saturday, November 27th 11AM- 6PM

Sunday, November 28th 11AM- 5PM

For more information, please visit http://ucpn.org/

Goodnight Gardens...

2010-11-12T05:32:00.001-08:00

What's one spring flower that you can also find on your face?

Tu-Lips- Get it?!

Who doesn't love the spring flowers that Old Westbury Gardens has to offer? Tulips, daffodils, allium, and hyacinth are all a welcome sight after the long winter season. But what do those flowers do during the winter? Where do they go? Resting beneath the winter soil are flower bulbs waiting for the perfect moment to come to life.

Bulbs are an important part of the Gardens' springtime landscape. Thousands of bulbs are used throughout the almost 200 acres every year.

Join us this Saturday, 11/13 to help us say "Goodnight Gardens!". Little horticulturists will learn bulb basics, plant in our beds, and go home with their own bulbs to plant.

Saturday, 11/13
Noon

Let's Hear it for the Birds!

2010-11-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, a group of 16 motivated Early Birds found a way to wake up on the last morning of daylight savings time. The mixed group of novice and tenured bird watchers were rewarded for their efforts with sighted success!
Under the watchful eye of Outreach Coordinator and bird expert Anne Winters from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, a slew of some of the 900 species of North American birds were spotted. Old Westbury Gardens' lake trail proves to be a paradise for resident and feeder birds as well as those migratory birds grabbing a few last bites before their great southbound flight.
From the get go, a beginner like myself can notice the importance of limited conversation to avoid easily spooking certain species. But imagine my surprise when a group of Black Capped Chickadees flitted from branch to branch only feet above our heads. Acrobatic indeed, their bold personalities imply their adorable curiosity as the flock seemed barely bothered by our presence.
A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker could be glimpsed tapping his way up the bark of a fernleaf beech tree. Our group quickly learned to detect the markings of the Sapsucker versus any other species. Much like other woodpeckers, the Sapsucker does create dips and dents in the wood of trees searching for insects. However, the markings are generally well organized forming long strands of holes rather than scattered spots.
A solitary Hairy Woodpecker sighting proved more difficult to distinguish considering its characteristics are so similar to the Downy Woodpecker. Expert Anne pointed out the Hairy Woodpecker's larger bill (nearly the same length as the head!) and overall bigger size.
Amongst other birds spotted was a Yellow-rumped Warbler as well as a Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, Song Sparrow, White Throated Sparrow, Cardinal, Bluejay, and Mockingbird along with a flock of hundreds of Starlings and Grackles zipping overhead. Even the Great Blue Heron made a guest appearance swooping across the lake and showcasing its giant wingspan.

Want to learn more about birds and bird watching opportunities? Visit the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center. And stay tuned to Old Westbury Gardens' 2011 programming. We will surely welcome back our feathered friends when the weather warms!

Herons and Owls and Bluejays, Oh My!

2010-11-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Despite our recent raindrops, the feathers are flying! Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center expert, Anne Winters, joined me yesterday for a quick preview of this Saturday's Early Bird walk. Within our first few steps around the lake trail, we spotted a swooping owl, a great blue heron and scores of other feathered friends.
Join us early tomorrow morning to try to spy other species. Bring binoculars and questions for our visiting specialist!
This program is open to bird enthusiasts of all ages.

Early Bird Walk
Saturday, 11/6- 9AM

Creeped Out at Old Westbury Gardens

2010-11-04T09:47:00.001-07:00

We had a ball at the 10/30 Spooktacular Saturday afternoon of dastardly delight. With hundreds of costumed visitors, the gardens were a fright!
Which celebrities do you think showed up to carve away at harvest pumpkins?
Take a look at our Flickr page to see event highlights and find out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldwestburygardens/sets/72157625311589508/

Tis' the Season to be SCARY

2010-10-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

DYING for something to do this weekend? Want to start your holiday off with a SCREAM?

Join us for Old Westbury Gardens Spooktacular Saturday!
This family friendly day kicks off in our Scarecrow Garden where visitors can meander through the shadows of 40 of the spookiest, funniest, and downright scariest creations this side of the Gardens. Kids will be goblin up seasonal refreshments and crafts. Spy tricks of the trade as our celebrity pumpkin carvers make art appear right before your eyes! Costumes are welcome as we head on our Masked March and Bad Seeds Stroll through the Gardens to view plants with spine tingling traits.
Drop by for a faBOOlous time!

Spooktacular Saturday 10/30 12- 3PM

Bad Seeds Stroll 1PM

Calling All Artists

2010-10-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Hope the title grabbed your attention. I program the activities and events at the Gardens and have often thought of ways that visitors to share their experiences at the Gardens with us and with others.

I'd like your input about this concept--a "exhibition" of the ways the Walled Garden have inspired people's creative side. Due to my engineering background I missed out on a liberal arts education so I've been filling that void by studying art and literary criticism on my own. Today I finished reading The Art of Description by Mark Doty and it caused me to wonder how the Gardens have inspired people's creative side.

In the past we've had had mini art shows ("Old Westbury Gardens--An Inspiration to Artists") of paintings which featured recognizable Garden features (e.g., paintings of Westbury House, the Thatched Cottage, etc.) but perhaps we could expand this to include other creative forms of expression--poems, essays, music, photographs, even videos or clothing (we recently had a photo shoot of swimwear the design of which was inspired by the Gardens). Perhaps to start small (or big) the exhibiton could focus on the Walled Garden. There are so many aspects of this garden that could be explored: the juxtoposition of the hardscape with the plants--the incorporation of plants from Asia, the wisteria, the peonies, etc., with a Western European garden; the water features; the optical illusion of the circles created by the "u-s" of the brick wall behind the pergola and the pergola's arches; garden's seasonal changes.

Your comments/thoughts are needed and welcomed...you can note them below or send them to phunchak@oldwestburygardens.org

Fall Into Friends and Family

2010-09-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how a few drops on a rainy September morning can dash the memory of the dreaded summer sizzle from our brains? I can't help but celebrate this wet weather and crisp air as if it's the return of friendly face. It means coats and scarves and "sweaters" of a different kind. Fire pits surrounded by mugs of hot cider and the crunch of leaves on the walk to work. Tree spotted landscapes as art exhibits adorned with brilliant foliage to warm you on a chilly day. What's not to love out there?
One outdoor staffer always told me that he hated the fall. It was the end of the growing season and meant the snow and sleet and frigid temps of winter were on the way. Needless to say, the amazing benefits of an outdoor job don't always outweigh the drudgery of winter work on the horizon.
But many gardeners appreciate this time. It's a time to clean up and take away, to plan and plant. The perfect moments to "put your garden to bed" as they say.

We at Old Westbury Gardens are observing this entrance of autumn, not as an end, but as a fresh start and a time to make merry. Before the hustle and bustle of that big merry making season arrives...
We have thoughtfully arranged events filled with ways for you, our visitors, to enjoy these leisurely autumn days. Whether focused on music, wildlife, children, or the outdoors, there is something for everyone to see, hear, and do. So plant those bulbs, rake those leaves, and fall back into friends and family with Old Westbury Gardens this season.

Botanical Art Exhibit

2010-09-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

October 2-31, 2010
West Porch, Westbury House

For close to a decade the Gardens has offered botanical painting classes taught by Rose Pellicano. A gifted artist, Rose has inspired numerous students--some of whom continue to take classes with her since the Gardens offered them. Her classes have ranged from introductory to advanced. One advanced classed focused on capturing the beauty of white flowers on a white background--a challenge for a botanical artist. She also teaches botanical painting at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and is a member of BBG's Florilegium Society, a group of the country's most accomplished botanical artists, which is reinventing this centuries-old form. Rose has also taught and exhibited at New York Botanical Garden.

What is Botanical Art? The botanical art tradition combines science and art. Botanical artists seek to understand the structure of plants and to communicate this knowledge to their audience in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. Following the centuries-old tradition of botanical illustration, these artworks are realistic portrayals of plants and flowers, created as a blend of art and science. Each piece meets the demands of scientific accuracy, insuring that scale; color and form are true reflections of the plant portrayed. Modern elements of light and depth, composition created by the artist and more three-dimensional form are added. The renderings are exquisitely detailed, able to illustrate far more detail than is possible with a photograph. You can find more about botanical painting at the website of the America Society of Botanical Artist.

For several years Rose and her students have patiently held their classes under less the optimal locations. Now with the acquisition of the complex of buildings at Orchard Hill, the classes are in a brighter, cheerier location.

Meet Rose and the other botanical artists at the Gardens on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 2pm.

Give our Garden the Creeps!

2010-09-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

This is the last week to drop off your crafty creations and be a part of our October Scarecrow Garden. Spend a day fashioning a friend to display in the month long exhibit.

Submissions are open to all groups- artists, individuals, families, organizations, and school and scout groups.

The deadline is Thursday, September 30th. Clcik here for official rules and entry form.
http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/se_scarecrow_garden.htm

BE THERE OR BE SCARED!

Can You Hear Me Now?

2010-09-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ever jump out of your seat when the rumbling boom of thunder claps in a dark and stormy movie scene? Or feel the chill when footsteps march through snow on the big screen? These sounds of nature would not be possible without the skillful recreation of foley artists. Foley is the reproduction of everyday sounds for use in filmmaking and is a great hands-on interactive art for kids and adults alike.
Try your hand at recreating the flap of bird wings in flight or the crackle of a fire's flames at this Sunday's Kids Fest! Enjoy other exciting crafts and activities as we celebrate Kid Power and the environment. 12- 4PM.
Hope to see and HEAR you there!

Good Luck Garden Explorers

2010-08-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th can sometimes be lucky!
This Friday, August 13th saw the finale of the 6 week summertime session of 2010 Garden Explorers at Old Westbury Gardens. The class of 15 garden detectives searched out the best wildlife that OWG has to offer. The course unearthed the communication of chirps, croaks, and buzzes, 6 legged beneficial neighbors, the underground world of worm friends, and more! The Explorers even sleuthed out the brush-covered abandoned polo gate that few everyday folks stumble upon.
A great highlight was a visit from guinea pig pets Fruity and Veggie for a little hands-on discovery.
Thanks to all Garden Explorers involved for your endless enthusiasm and thirst for adventure!
Good luck in the new school year from Old Westbury Gardens!

Hot Plants--Hot Climate

2010-08-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

I left my cool basement office the other day (three colleagues and I share the the former scullery in the service wing) to visit the Walled Garden on a triple h-day last week to speak with Kim Johnson--the Walled Garden gardener/curator. (Kim's been responsible for the world-famous Walled Garden for over a quarter-century now). I was curious to see what plants were thriving during our summer of high temperatures and little to no rain.

By its very design temperatures in the Walled Garden can exceed 7-8 degrees above the ambient temperature in the rest of the Gardens. As Kim pointed out to me--even though the Walled Garden is irrigated, no irrigation system is truly perfect and with the multiplicity of plants and borders, hand watering and additional sprinklers are a necessity. So Kim as well as the other gardeners have been at OWG from early morning to late night moving sprinklers into various areas.

Kim also pointed out several plants that are thriving in this weather pattern (hot, hot & dry, hot & humid). As you can see in the photos the Walled Gardens' Zinnia and Rudbeckia speciosa (coneflower) are doing well since their native climate is the scrub and desert grasslands (zinnia) and prairies (Rudbeckia).

And of course the tropical plants--Nymphae (waterlily) and Nelumbo (lotus) love the hot & humid spells.

Drying Out

2010-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

These days a common question visitors ask our admissions booth staff after they drive up the Linden Allee is "What is happening to the lindens--are they dying? is there a disease?"

I spoke with Old Westbury Gardens' Director of Horticulture Maura McGoldrick-Brush who informed me that the lindens--like all of us in the northeast this summer--our under stress. Maura told me that an arborist from Bartlett Tree Experts visited and checked for blight or any other disease--which there isn't--it's just the effects of the summer. She explained to me that unlike other trees, lindens show the results of climatic stress--high temperatures and minimal water--in the season of stress. Other trees (maples, oaks) will show the effects of this summer's drought next year. She also told me that while the lindens are defoliating now, that there is a chance if the weather improves (i.e. more rain) the lindens will re-leaf later this month or early September.

On a historical landscape such as Old Westbury Gardens it is a constant challenge to care for mature trees--many of our trees are well over 100 years old. Contrary to popular opinion, older trees, like humans, are susceptible to the effects of severe climate changes.

Filming at Old Westbury Gardens

2010-07-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well we (actually a production company--in this case Warner Bros.) just completed another motion picture filming at the Gardens. In this case it was a two-day exterior shoot for the upcoming remake of Arthur (scroll down the link to read the studio's press release), starring Russell Brand and Jennifer Garner. (The photo shows two of the horses used in the a scene featuring Ms Garner and Mr Brand horse riding in the South Lawn and Allee.)

Since 2001 I've been the person responsible for coordinating commercial photography, and all the various shoots are beginning to combine in my mind. The first big project for me was the 2002 filming scenes for an episode of Sex and the City. As anyone who has seen a film production they are rather uneventful--just very tedious. The OWG's staff responsibility is to ensure that the crews follow our guidelines and procedures--essentially ensuring that the property and its collections are not damaged. I like to compare being selected as a location to winning a beauty contest--it is really just a look the producer, director and art director are looking to convey to the film goer.

Exterior shoots are always much preferred as trying to shoe horn a crew of up to 100 people associated with the filming of a scene inside Westbury House can be quite a challenge because as our standard location agreement with the production company states:

Producer acknowledges that the contents of the premises, including without limitation, the furniture, statuary, decorative arts, carpets, paintings, lighting fixtures and any other personal property of the Owner (the “collections”), constitutes a collection of preeminent importance in American history and culture.

We insist and encourage other sites like ours that the production company use our location agreement based on recommendations by the National Trust for Historic Preservaiton.

Fourth of July

2010-07-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

Some thoughts about the Fourth of July....Fireworks--even John Adams knew they would be a "necessary" element of our Independence Day celebrations.

In her memoirs, Halcyon Days: An American Family Through Three Generations, the Gardens' founder Peggie (Phipps) Boegner recalls July 4th celebations at Westbury House:

In the years before we moved to the Piping Rock Club four our Fourth of July celebration, we had our own fireworks at home. Father was master of ceremonies. We all gathered around him on the south lawn, while he set off the charges....Once, in an absent minded moment her stood by the box of fireworks with a lighted sparkler in his hand. All of a sudden, a spark ignited a cracker and there was the most glorious display of fireworks shooting in all directions. ...Some of us ran, and others just stood there transfixed between terror and amusement.

On holidays and special events we share with visitors what life was like during the "heyday" of Westbury House and 100 years ago holiday safety was on the mind of civic leaders then as it is today.

Compare Mayor Bloomburg's 2010 message to this:

The committee, appointed by Mayor Gayson to arrange for a safe and sane Fourth has now got its programme into shape and has outlined a celebration which will cover every part or the city and will provide something to keep everyone interested nearly every hour of the day. The chief events will be a parade and exercises at the City Hall in the morning, athletic sports in the afternoon, and fireworks works in the evening. [New York Times, June 1910]

In its July 5th 1910 issue, the Times reported on former President Roosevelt's fourth of July observance noting that:

In the evening there were fireworks on the Roosevelt lawn. The former President is not an exponent of a safe and sane Fourth, and there was plenty of noise all day long in his vicinity. No casualties were reported.

Beginning at the turn of the 20th century and lasting until the outbreak of WWI local governments and private individuals spearheaded a movement known as a "safe and sane fourth" to reduce the number of fatalities, casualties, and property losses due to "extreme" celebrations (shooting off of guns into the air, fireworks, bonfires, etc.). Every July 5th newspapers would list the dead, injured and $s in property loss from Independence Day festivities. As James R. Heintze of American University. Washington, D.C. noted

From the early 1900s the production of [Fourth of July] postcards neatly coincided with the Safe and Sane movement that was initiated in a number of major cities to get dangerous fireworks away from the public. Many cards demonstrated the seriousness of this issue, but interestingly did so in a humorous vein. One popular card included the conundrum: "How to prevent your boy being killed on the Fourth of July-kill him on the third."

BTW Since 2000 professional firework displays have been banned in the Village of Old Westbury.

Snap Into Spring- Girl Scout Style!

2010-04-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

Junior Girl Scout Troop #2297 earned its "Camera Shots" badge Thursday 4/1 on Old Westbury Gardens grounds. This first outdoor badge of the 2010 season included a garden paparazzi session highlighting our current spring flowering plants. Caught under the lens were the likes of early primroses, hellebores, daffodils, and waves of scilla. The Scout photographers snapped plant and sculpture portraits, wide open landscapes, and some out-of-focus artsy shots. Take a look at the results captured by Troop #2297's keen, creative eye!

Snap Into Spring- Girl Scout Style Results

2010-04-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Olivia B- Age 10

Chloe R- Age 11

Janet M- Age 10

Baylee N- Age 12

Olivia S- Age 9

For more information on this or other Girl Scout programming please contact Lisa Reichenberger, Environmental Educator at 516.333.0048, x. 338 or lreichenberger@oldwestburygardens.org.

Double Time

2010-03-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Duality is something I know well at Old Westbury Gardens. In my case, I am new yet seasoned at the same time. I am the veteran and the probie. But much more than that, I am the lucky one.
While entering my second spring at the Gardens, I find myself in a very different role than the first. In 2009 I had the honor of filling the position of Seasonal Assistant in the Walled Garden. I worked alongside the best and the brightest minds whose knowledge and talent were eclipsed only by their caring touch and expert eye. Becoming a part of a Horticulture team so strongly devoted to their craft was a great reward. Very few careers rival maintaining a living masterpiece like the Walled Garden. Or so I thought.
In my role of Environmental Educator I can bring that passion for our House and Gardens to children, school groups, and Scouts alike. When the first students of the season bound from the big yellow bus this spring I will see their wide smiles. Along with spring annuals and perennials, sheer excitement grows in our acres. Having a hand in the Environmental Education Department and creating an enthusiasm about the outdoors has easily become second nature. For this opportunity that OWG has given me I am grateful.
And I am realizing I am not alone in this. Everyday I witness first hand complete dedication from our staff. There is an overwhelming willingness to contribute here. Be it a Gardener that gives of him/herself to the landscape, a friendly voice on the phone who goes above and beyond to answer your inquiries, a creative mind who thinks of a way to better serve the local community, or a Director who sees promise in someone and allows them to grow beyond what they believed possible.
Please know that your dedication is not in vain. We too love this gem. And whether we are of the House or Grounds (or both!) we strive to bring you the best Old Westbury Gardens can offer. We ask only that you take advantage of our brilliant spring landscape and programming. Believe me, you will reap what you sow. Sometimes two-fold!

OWG Stays Right on Track

2010-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

While I find solace from the frigid temps prepping education and public programs indoors, Mother Nature is hard at work in this time of supposed “hibernation”. With a little help from Father Winter, we at OWG arrived last Wednesday to discover a light frosting on the landscape. The classic winter view was complete from the edge of the dusted lake trail to the soundless beds of the vegetable garden. It was an absolutely perfect winter day, warm and still without a hint of wind. Ideal conditions for a morning stroll over the grounds. This is my first full winter here at the Gardens and what a lucky gift it is. Of course I cherish the times when the trees are flush with new growth and the beds are in full bloom, but this quiet season of rest lends itself to a certain private performance. On a day like today, the woods are silent, the air crisp, and the views spectacular. Even in the absence of color and growth, the beauty of these Gardens still seems to surprise me.

Yet there is invisible action afoot. Upon close inspection, this novice tracker found trail marks logging early morning steps on the freshly fallen snow. The tracks hint to the elusive winter activity that often goes unnoticed. Movement can be recorded, a change of heart and direction observed. You truly can discover a great deal in the remains of the unseen.

A nearly straight line of single timed prints indicates the possible presence of a determined fox. Gray squirrel tracks mimic exclamation points and seem to run from tree to tree. A domestic cat paraded across our office path while tracks echoing the distinct rabbit style (large opposite hind feet falling behind staggered forepaws) run from one area of brush to the next. Even the low swooping owl was fairly silent as it glided 8 feet above my head scaring the pellets out of me.

By the end of my walk, nearly all of the markings of this great hunt were gone, melted away along with their ethereal glimpse of winter life. I felt fortunate to be a witness to something so small yet so valuable. Treasure these last days of the season and explore the silent happenings within your own winter retreat.

But...what do you do in the winter?

2010-01-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is one of the questions that I get asked most frequently after telling people what I do for a living. Our winter season is slow in terms of general garden work (weeding, mowing, and planting). But, our days are filled with other tasks that get put off during the warmer months. Many of our visitors are unaware of the fact that almost ALL our annuals are grown in our greenhouses and over 85% of our perennials. The horticulture staff usually decides upon and orders our annuals for the upcoming season during the month of December. In fact, our spring annuals are already sown and sprouted and our summer annuals will not be far behind. But, don’t panic. There is still plenty of time for you to order your seeds. We order our annual flower and vegetable seeds early because we want to make sure that other discerning gardeners do not “beat us to the punch”. Very often, new varieties or cultivars will be sold out within days of a catalog being mailed. If we want to make sure that the newest pansy or David Austin rose is available, we need to plan early.

January and February can also be very busy months because this is when we do the vast majority of our shrub pruning. Pruning on most shrubs can be done regardless of how cold it is, and this vigorous work helps to keep the gardener warm! If the ground is not frozen, other repairs (such as border iron and walkways) can be done during the winter months when we do not have to worry about foot traffic.

March brings the pruning of our roses (no small task!). We remove climbing roses from the arbors and chains and prune off all dead, diseased, and damaged wood. The roses are then repositioned to avoid rubbing and overlapping canes, and tied back to their supports. This is an arduous task that can take four gardeners close to the entire month of March. The mounds then have to be removed from the hybrid teas before they receive their spring cuts.

On the worst days, staff keeps busy sharpening mower blades, cleaning & oiling pruners, or sharpening shovels and spades. If we’re lucky, the work is finished just as it is time to begin again.

Our England is a garden, and such gardens are not made by singing: -"Oh, how beautiful!" and sitting in the shade.~Rudyard Kipling, "The Glory of the Garden"

The Garden That Never Sleeps...

2010-01-08T08:26:00.001-08:00

Winter has never been my favorite season but I have found that since I began gardening, the winters seem far shorter than they did before. I think that it’s because I don’t put my garden “to bed” for the winter in October and throw the covers off in May. Instead, my winter is comprised of small markers, which I look for (and forward to) on an almost daily basis. In December, I was photographing hellebores at the top of the primrose path and now in January I am expecting blooms any day on my witch hazel. I have considered how a single December bloom on a hardy geranium or salvia in our Walled Garden can bring me almost as much delight as when the borders are full to bursting in June. The same can be said for the first snowdrop or squill. Late autumn blooms mean so much because they are fleeting and early spring blooms signal the beginning of the end of winter.
For those of us that need to see something in bloom, there is a plant for almost every month of the year. Even between the blooms, however, there are always small changes going on in the garden. The winter would seem unending if it weren’t for a bud swelling or a tender green shoot popping up in a warm sunny corner. These little signs let us know that the calendar is still advancing and as short as the days may seem, they are getting a little longer now.
I admit to being an avid “indoor gardener”, however, in order to feed my addiction to chlorophyll. Amaryllis bulbs are started at intervals so one is always popping up as another’s blooms are fading. Glasses, vases, (and anything else that can hold water) are filled with coleus or geranium cuttings and I faithfully pick up a farmer’s almanac to see if a long winter is predicted. But, I do my best to remain patient and follow the advice of Henry David Thoreau “Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.”

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

Visit Westbury House for our final holiday weekend.

Members exclusive holiday reception is this Thursday, December 17th 2009. RSVP required. Don't miss your last chance to see the mansion decorated for the season. Not a member? Why not join, or buy gift membership for loved one!

Soak up the last few days of Summer

2009-09-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Stop by over Labor Day weekend and discover a new part of the Gardens. Pack a picnic, take a tour and soak up the summer!

Auld Westbury Gardens

2009-08-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

49th Annual Scottish Games

With bagpipes, caber tossing, dancing, food, and kids’ games, the Scottish Games is for everyone. The Long Island Scottish Clan MacDuff hosts.

Special Games admissions: $15.00; $10.00 over 62; $5.00 Children (ages 7–12); $5.00 Members; Free for children 6 and under. 8:00 am–5:00 pm; Ceremony, 12:30 pm, August 22. Rain or shine.

In case you need to measure for your kilt:

http://www.sirsdresshire.com/images/Kilt-Outfit-Measurment.jpg

See ye efter! ( See you later!)

Dog Evenings-yet another reason why we love Fridays

2009-07-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

To coincide with the appearance of Sirius, the 'dog star' in the night sky, bring your dog to the gardens for a cool evening walk.

5pm-dusk

General Admission $5

Members are free

July 17th, 24 and August 7th.

Join us on July 18th for an Enchanting Evening

2009-07-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

Many people state that fairies dance at midnight on midsummer's eve. You just may see one if you stay up and watch for them.......

For more information about Midsummer Night click here: http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/se_midsummer_night_2009.htm

Snap into Spring-Winners of our first photo contest

2009-05-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated on May 2nd and 3rd 2009 for our first childrens photography contest! The contest was open to children Grades k-5 and each participant was given a disposable camera, a map of the gardens and some photography tips to send them on their adventure.

The weather wasn't so great that particular weekend, but you all still managed to take beautiful photographs! I think that these photos reflect that you dont have to have expensive equipment to be a great photographer.

We hope that all of you come back with your friends and family to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the change of the seasons.

Now let's take a look at the winning photographs! Don't forget to check out our Flickr page by clicking the title above (and add your own photos).

Kiersten

Grade:K

Ilana

Grade: 1

Madison

Grade:2

Jack

Grade:3

Gunner

Grade:4

Inga

Grade:5

Eric

Best Snap of the Walled Garden

Grade:2

Katie

Most Creative Snap

Grade:5

Plein Air Paintout

2009-05-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 16th , over twenty artists from the Art League of Nassau County will be painting throughout the formal gardens. We invite the public to join us for a reception and silient auction of their work to benefit Old Westbury Gardens, 4:30-7:30pm. This is your chance to buy fresh new works straight off the easel by professional artists. Stick around for Poetica Musica, Chopin Soiree at 8pm featuring works by Chopin, Szymanowski and others. (Registration required for Poetica. Call 516-333-0048 ext. 301)

Talk about Taste

2009-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday evening, OWG hosted one of my favorite events of the year – Taste of Spring. As enjoyable as indoor events are here, it’s really something special when the weather allows us to swing open the French doors of the Red Ballroom, turning the South Terrace into a perfect venue to welcome the more than 300 guests in attendance on a particularly beautiful evening.

Spring was very much in the air. One fellow took the opportunity (on bended knee on the faint chalk line of what had been the 50 yard line of the temporary football field from the recent filming of Royal Pains) to pop the question to his girlfriend, who, judging by her reaction, said yes, or at least was demonstratively happy about the food.

We very much wish to thank the fine restaurants, wineries, caterers, and other establishments who helped make this evening a success: 57 Main Street, Bistro Citron, Bryant and Cooper, Claude Cassagnol Caterer’s, Elegant Affairs, The Gray Turkey, Lenz Winery, La Bonne Boulangerie, Mark of Excellence, Martha Clara Vineyards, The Melting Pot, Messina Market, Mim’s, On.3, Real Coffee Corporation, Roanoke Vineyards, and Waters Crest Winery. We also wish to thank our auction sponsors; Cardboard Memories, Glen Head Flower Shop, Simply Fondue and Wonderful Wedding Cakes.

Those soothing sounds of chamber music flowing from the Red Ballroom were provided by cellist, Suzanne Mueller, Artist-in-Residence at Old Westbury Gardens, and pianist Elinor Abrams Zayas. Suzanne and Elinor will be performing here again July 12 and August 9 (in a new program) as part of the West Porch Beech Tree Concert Series held on Sundays at 3pm, July 12 through August 9.

Vincent Kish

I swear we did not Photoshop!

2009-04-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Filming for the Royal Pains is going on at OWG as we blog.

What is the Royal Pains you ask? Click here and find out. http://www.usanetwork.com/series/royalpains/

The series will preimiere in June of this year. And yes, there is a football field here this week.

Dog Day Afternoon

2009-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I came in on Saturday to take pictures of some of the Dog Day events. And though I was able to snap a few shots, I spent most of the afternoon directing traffic. For all of our visitors, two-legged or otherwise, who were patiently waiting to enter the grounds, we sincerely regret any inconvenience. Some much appreciated publicity combined with a particularly beautiful spring day, created a scenario in which we were pleasantly surprised by our biggest Dog Day crowd ever. Rest assured there will be more Dog Days this season, in the fall, if not sooner; and we’ll guarantee that traffic will flow much more smoothly.

For anyone wondering about the football field on south lawn behind the house, including goal posts and a giant Notre Dame logo, that will all be gone by later this week. A new television show for USA Network called Royal Pains has been filming here for the last few days. Everything on the shoot has gone quite well. In fact it would have been absolutely perfect if only they needed a few extra actors. (Which they didn’t, much to the chagrin of at least one of OWG employee who had small parts in both Bernard and Doris and Gossip Girl when they filmed here and was hoping for another gig).

-Vince Kish

2009-04-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Dog Days

2009-03-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar for our next Dog Day weekend, April 18-19, 2009, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Bring your dog for an invigorating walk and healthy exercise at Old Westbury Gardens. Designated garden areas only. Dog must be leashed.

Dog Demonstration & Exhibits 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday ONLY. The Ladies Kennel Association of America will sponsor various activities, demonstrations and games. The LKAA will administer the Canine Good Citizen Program, is a certification program designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Long Island Agility will be on hand to demonstrate the fun sport of dog agility. In agility, a dog demonstrates is agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course. The course has jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles.

Other exhibitors include LI Dog Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) Mid-Atlantic Basset Hound Rescue The Shelter Connection, Inc. "bringing people and pets together" Kimberly Mockler will demonstrate communication with deaf dogs, deaf/blind dogs, including the use of American Sign Language to train dogs.

For more information, please call (516) 333-0048 or email phunchak@oldwestburygardens.org.

Dogs on Parade at Old Westbury Gardens

2009-02-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, October 26, 2008, Old Westbury Gardens invited visitors to bring their best friends to the Gardens for our annual Dog Day weekend. The above video is from Newsday.com.

Movies and TV episodes at Old Westbury Gardens

2009-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Westbury House and the Gardens have been featured in many movies and TV episodes, starting with North by Northwest in 1959. So, if some part of Old Westbury Gardens seems familiar to you on your first visit, it could be because you've seen that room or garden before in a movie or TV show! Here's a list of all the movies and TV shows that have been filmed at Old Westbury Gardens:

Movies
North by Northwest, 1959
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring Cary Grant

From the Terrace, 1960
Directed by Mark Robson
Starring Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward

The Swimmer, 1968
Directed by Frank Perry
Starring Burt Lancaster

Love Story, 1970
Directed by Arthur Hiller
Starring Ryan O’ Neal

Oliver’s Story, 1978 (Sequel to Love Story)
Starring Ryan O’Neal & Candice Bergman

Just Tell Me What You Want, 1980
Directed by Sidney Lusnet
Starring Ali McGraw, Alan King, Myrna Loy, Keenan Wynn & Dina Merril

Lovesick, 1983
Directed by Marshall Brickman
Starring Dudley Moore, Elizabeth McGovern, & Alec Guiness

Age of Innocence, 1993
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Daniel Day Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder in the Walled Garden

Academy Awards:
Winner for Best Costume Design
Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Winona Ryder
Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction

Golden Globes:
Winner for Best Supporting Actress: Winona Ryder
Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama
Nominated for Best Actress – Drama: Michelle Pfeiffer
Best Director: Martin Scorsese

Wolf, 1994
Directed by Mike Nichols
Starring Jack Nicholson & Michelle Pfeiffer

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, 1995
Directed by Beeban Kidron
Starring Patrick Swayze & Wesley Snipes

The Associate, 1996
Directed by Donald Petrie
Starring Whoopie Goldberg

Eight Millimeter, 1998
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Starring Nicholas Cage

Cruel Intentions, 1998
Directed by Roger Kumble
Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, & Selma Blair

Curse of the Jade Scorpion, 2000
Directed by Woody Allen
Starring Helen Hunt

Kal Ho Naa Ho, 2003
Bollywood Movie
Directed by Nikhil Advani
Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Jaya Bachchan, Sonali Bendre

The Manchurian Candidate, 2004
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Starring Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, & Liev Schreiber

Hitch, 2005
Directed by Andy Tennant
Starring Will Smith, Kevin James, & Eva Mendes

American Gangster, 2007
Directed by Ridley Scott
Starring Denzel Washington

Bernard and Doris, 2007
Directed by Bob Balaban
Starring Ralph Finnes and Susan Saradan

Nominated for a Golden Globe in 2009 for
Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television

Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Susan Sarandon

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television:
Ralph Fiennes

Television:
American Castles - A&E
Christmas Castles - A&E
Sex & The City - HBO, 2002
Gold Coast Mansions - WLIW, 2005
The Prince (pilot), 2005
Gossip Girl - CW, 2009

Be sure to watch Gossip Girl on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8/7c on the CW network for Episode #219, the Grandfather. This episode includes numerous scenes filmed on location in Westbury House and the surrounding Gardens. Here are a few pictures from that episode:
Blair, Chuck and Serena in the Red Ballroom.

Dan and Serena on the South Terrace.

Fall Folliage

2009-01-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

2009-01-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Help us Celebrate our 50th Anniversary

2009-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Opening weekend at the gardens, on April 4th and 5th, is such an exciting way to start off the spring season, to commemorate when we first opened to the public, 50 years ago. Our mission is upheld by over 80,000 visitors per year, whose support is crucial and appreciated immensely. You are the roots of our community, our gardens.

We look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary with you this year.