Public gardens are beautiful not just because so much care is put into them, but because they’re filled with beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. Paying a visit to one makes for a great afternoon with friends, or the perfect romantic date for two. Whatever the occasion, it’s sure to make you feel relaxed and aware of all the beauty that makes up Long Island. So once the warm weather rolls around, pay a visit to this year’s Best Public Garden on Long Island.
2024: Long Island Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Highway, Great River
(631) 581-1002 – bayardcuttingarboretum.com
Nestled in the scenic enclave of Great River, Bayard Cutting Arboretum flourishes as Long Island’s premier public garden oasis. Its sprawling grounds, meticulously curated by botanists and horticulturists, offer a serene escape into nature’s splendor. Encompassing a diverse array of flora, from vibrant blooms to majestic trees, the arboretum captivates visitors with its year-round beauty and tranquility. Strolling along meandering pathways, guests encounter enchanting landscapes and idyllic vistas at every turn. With its rich history, educational programs, and enchanting ambiance, Bayard Cutting Arboretum stands as a verdant sanctuary, beckoning all who seek solace and inspiration amidst its verdant embrace.
2023: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Hwy, Great River
(631) 581-1002 – bayardcuttingarboretum.com
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll or even read a book while enjoying the serenity of estate living in the 1920s and ’30s. In 1936, Olivia James had a dual purpose for what she envisioned of what is now known as the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. She wanted it to be both an oasis of beauty and quiet as well as educate the general public on the value of informal planting. The arboretum consists of 691 acres on the Connetquot River. Throughout the estate, visitors can learn about the different plants and trees they may come across. Tours of the mansion are available depending on the season and there is a café that offers a light luncheon. The welcome center is currently getting a huge uprgrade, as well.
2022: Long Islanders Voted Planting Fields Arboretum Best Public Garden!
Planting Fields Arboretum
1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay
516-922-8600 – bayardcuttingarboretum.com
Stroll the grounds, working your way to your own nook or outside cranny to enjoy solitude, or make sure you visit the Camelia House where everything is blooming. Planting Fields Arboretum is a magical place that inspires visitors to simply tell you it’s beautiful. Find inspiration to get your home garden in shape or mosey through the cozy greenhouses and feel uplifted. Flowers bloom everywhere at this site that is impossible to disappoint any visitor. Locals and tourists rave about a perfect way to spend a day outdoors. You might hear it described as “absolutely stunning” or “a lovely picnic and nature walk in warm weather.” There is so much to learn and see in any season.
2021: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Hwy, Great River
(631) 581-1002 – bayardcuttingarboretum.com
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll or even read a book while enjoying the serenity of estate living in the 1920s and 30s. Back in 1936, Olivia James had a dual purpose for what she envisioned what is now known as the “Bayard Cutting Arboretum.” She wanted it to be both an oasis of beauty and quiet as well as educate the general public on the value of informal planting. The Arboretum consists of 691 acres that are situated on the Connetquot River. Throughout the estate, visitors can learn about the different plants and trees they may come across. Tours of the mansion are available depending on the season and there is a café that offers a light luncheon.
2020: Long Islanders Voted Old Westbury Gardens Best Public Garden!
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury
(516) 333-0048 – oldwestburygardens.org
Old Westbury Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children. Completed in 1906 by the English designer, George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. Westbury House is furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts from the more than 50 years of the family’s residence. Today, Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House and Gardens, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, school visits, children’s programs and events, family programs, museum exhibits, classic car shows, indoor and outdoor classical concerts, summer pop concerts, slide lectures, book signings, horticultural demonstrations and workshops, Scottish Games, botanical arts and gardening classes, and Master Gardener and Educator-led talks and tours.
2019: Long Islanders Voted Old Westbury Gardens Best Public Garden!
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.
(516) 333-0048 – www.oldwestburygardens.org
Old Westbury Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children. Completed in 1906 by the English designer, George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. Westbury House is furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts from the more than 50 years of the family’s residence. Today, Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House and Gardens, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, school visits, children’s programs and events, family programs, museum exhibits, classic car shows, indoor and outdoor classical concerts, summer pop concerts, slide lectures, book signings, horticultural demonstrations and workshops, Scottish Games, botanical arts and gardening classes, and Master Gardener and Educator-led Talks and Tours.
2018: Long Islanders Voted Avalon Park – Stony Brook Best Public Garden on Long Island!
Avalon Park – Stony Brook
200 Harbor Road
Stony Brook, N.Y. 11790
avalonparkandpreserve.org
Everyday stress and strain getting to you? Let Avalon Park take you away from it. A serene open space, Avalon Park & Preserve in Stony Brook is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Created by the Paul Simons Foundation with the goal of sharing Simon’s deep love of the outdoors, this captivating park is filled with gardens, trails along the pond, a labyrinth, a rustic barn among the wildflower fields, and winding upper trails. The park is open to all! However please don’t feed the ducks and keep your dog on-leash when visiting.
2017: Long Islanders Voted Adelphi University Best Public Garden on Long Island
Adelphi University 1 South Ave., Garden City. 800-ADELPHI http://about.adelphi.edu/campus-locations/arboretum/ There’s nothing quite like taking a stroll through a meticulously managed garden on a spring day, just as flowers are blooming. At Adelphi University, its public garden is home to more than 60 species, including special berry bushes, rose gardens, various trees, and more. People can explore the campus’ arboretum and feast their eyes on sugar maples, river birch, crab apple, limber pine, and so much more! Aside from the fresh aromas and wide array of colors, the garden offers a place where visitors can enjoy a moment of solitude. No wonder why Long Islanders voted Adelphi University’s public garden the absolute best!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden on Long Island
Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com Take a leisurely stroll through its breathtaking grounds, enroll in an educational class, or grab a few snacks in the Hidden Oak Cafe—at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, all you need is a pair of walking shoes. Consistently ranking atop this competitive category, one visit and you’ll fall in love! This historic site boasts gorgeous natural wonders, countless hiking trails, tours, and school programs, among so much more!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden on Long Island!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com Beauty awaits to inspire and invigorate behind every twist and turn along the paths at Oakdale’s Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Located along the shores of the Connetquot River, this Long Island treasure spreads Mother Nature’s endless wonders out across acres upon acres of lush landscape beautifully maintained to be enjoyed year-round. It is the perfect destination for not only escaping the daily intricacies of the work week and a prime weekend excursion spot, but a moving, unforgettable re-acquaintance with the beauty of this magical Island we call home.
2014: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1. Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com 2. Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org 3. Planting FieldS Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. plantingfields.org
2013: Long Islanders Voted Old Westbury Gardens in Old Westbury Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1. Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org 2. Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale. 631-581-1002. www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com 3. Planting FieldS Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. www.plantingfields.org
2012: Long Islanders Voted Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1 Planting Fields Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. 2 Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale. 631-581-1002. www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com 3 Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org