Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion - the Jewel of Canandaigua, NY

Visiting Sonnenberg is a rich, lush experience for all senses. The Gardens are located 20 minutes or so south of Rochester, in Canandaigua. In 2006, The Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion were designated a New York State Historic Park. Sonnenberg Gardens is owned by NY State, but operated by a non-profit Sonnenberg. The park is open during the garden season, from mid-May to October. On occasion, Sonnenberg hosts various seasonal events (Halloween; Christmas events) but otherwise, the park is closed. The gardens are designed around a variety of themes, with an abundance of flowers.

There is the "old fashioned" garden is geometrically shaped, edged by low boxwood. The garden is made up mostly of perennials, with a sprinkling of vibrant annuals. These gardens always have something in bloom, from tulips in the spring, to crysanthemums in the fall. There is a building that evokes visions of a castle in this garden area, this used to be an aviary that housed over 250 species of birds, which included white peacocks.

The "Japanese" garden built in 1906 by a Japanese landscaper. It took the designer and seven workmen six months to create a miniature Japanese landscape. Japanese gardens are made to reflect nature. Water flows from east to west, and every stone is placed according to ancient rules. There is a tea house in this area, designed after one in Kyoto. A large Buddha graces the gardens also, his hands held in contemplative gesture.

The "Sub Rosa" garden, (or secret garden), is "dressed" in simple green and white, which creates a chapel-like effect with white marble statues and the green of the lawns. There are beautiful fountain figures of Zeus with Diana and Apollo. A 2006 restoration of this area took place, resulting in deeper enchantment.

The "Rose" garden, was first created in 1905. Well over 4,000 rose bushes have been planted here and they first bloom in June, then sporadically throughout the summer. If there is a warm spell, Sonnenberg enjoys roses in November, as happened in 2005.

The "Italian" Garden was designed in the Grand Manner - with French influences. Every year, 15,000 annuals are planted by volunteers. The garden is oriented so it can be easily seen from the mansion .

"Blue and White" garden is the original owner's favorite. Only blue and white flowers are used in this garden. Extensive restoration is taking place this summer, and in mid-August, a celebration will be held to honor all of the many volunteers who have helped bring the blue and white garden back to its original loveliness.

"Pansy" garden, devoted to the owners favorite flower. This garden was designed as a meditation garden, and even the birth bath is in the shape of a pansy.

The smallest of the gardens is the "Moonlight Garden." The existence of this Victorian-style garden was completely unknown until it's rediscovery in the 1980's. Most of the white flowers used in this garden bloom in the late afternoon and evening, their fragrance strong in the night air. Sonnenberg offers "Moonlight Strolls" when the estate remains open in July to allow visitors to enjoy the Moonlight Garden.

"Rock Garden" was once 3 individual gardens now all merged together. Paths meander through a tiny canyon made of Limestone. There are 500 feet of streams, pools and waterfalls in the rock garden. Sonnenberg's Pet Cemetery is located here, Como and Cricket, animals loved by the owners and children, are buried here.

The Greenhouse complex is an original Lord and Burnham greenhouse, completed in 1915. At this time, five greenhouses are open to the public including the cacti and succulent house, two houses containing orchids, and the palm house.

Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens is an incredible place to host your wedding ceremony and/or reception. Ceremonies can take place in the gardens, which garden depends on how many people are expected, as sizes vary. Wedding receptions can take place inside the carriage house, or outside under a tent. Sonnenberg Gardens helps with every aspect of planning with recommendations for flowers, bakeries, photographers and more.

There is also a wine center at Sonnenberg. Here, they bring together a massive number of wineries and foods across the Finger Lakes region. Throughout the summer, different wines are featured every Friday.

There is so much to do in this region of New York, you're going to need more than one day. Canandaigua Lake is minutes from Sonnenberg, where you can go boating and eat at fine restaurants, take a cruise on the Canandaigua Lady, if you like! There are wineries up and down Canandaigua Lake as well as the other Finger Lakes, also minutes away. Sumptuous bed and breakfasts dot the highways, as well as antique shops and cafes.