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!
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
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.
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.
I remember going there several times when I was growing up on Long Island. What I remember best are the enormous copper beeches.
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.
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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!)
🙂 There is a lot more to Long Island than malls — although they do seem to be taking over. If you have time, take a drive further east and visit some of our vineyards — I’ll meet you there! 🙂
the unknown grapey thing is a medinilla….got one outside
Hi Sharon. Thanks for the ID. I couldn’t find a label in the greenhouse and I thought the colors were beautiful.
Gotta love plants under lock and key, only a horticulturist.
🙂 I was imagining a film in which the crooks do some elaborate “Mission Impossible,” like being suspended from the ceiling, to swipe the seedling.
Wonderful photos from this little fairyland! Orchids are very beautiful and as well the blossom of Cactus.
Happy Sunday
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.
Fantastic! I enjoyed that virtual visit.
Hi Bridget. I was happy to be your tour guide! 🙂
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.
Glad you liked it. I agree with you about the Birds of Paradise — only Nature could throw those colors together. 🙂
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
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.
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!
You are very welcome. I do think I could live under glass. 🙂
Gardens like these are simply splendid, well apart from the odd bride or three 🙂
I agree. I enjoy seeing how the other half lives — or used to live. 🙂
I was never there, so thanks for the images. It does look like a great place for bridal shots.
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.
Love the view of the house just beyond the Italian garden, so picturesque hidden behind those lovely mature trees. Thanks for the tour.
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! 🙂
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!
Hi Lee. You bring up a good point about revisiting. These are certainly locations that should be observed and enjoyed in all seasons.
wow….
Hi Namita. Glad you enjoyed the trip!
What a treat! It looks like a wonderful garden to visit.
It’s really a beautiful place — and they very often have concerts, which makes the gardens even more lovely.