Top Botanical Gardens in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY

Though few in number, the botanical gardens in Suffolk County, NY make up in quality what they lack in quantity. Any one of the sites listed here will be well worth your visit.

BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM

, GREAT RIVER, SUFFOLK, LONG ISLAND, NY
440 Montauk Highway
Great River, NY 11739

You may never want to leave this idyllic location. Bayard Cutting Arboretum, the largest botanical garden on Long Island, is noted for its five nature walks, and within its 690 acres you will encounter one of the most extensive conifer collections to be found on Long Island. The numerous native woodland locations, complete with ponds and little streams, are home to daffodils and wildflowers, and the spring display of azaleas and rhododendron is not to be missed.

For wildlife lovers, the varied habitats found at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum offer unique opportunities for birdwatching, and many people have been lucky to spot foxes, raccoons and other small mammals on the grounds.

The Arboretum is the former estate of William Bayard Cutting, and his manor house, open by appointment for guided tours, is noted for its magnificent stained glass windows, fireplaces, and woodwork. Here you will find a gift shop and cafe. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the open porch overlooking the Connetquot River.

Hours:
Nov 1st through March 31, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
April 1th through October 31, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission: $6.00 per carload, April through October
For More Information: (631) 581-1002

BRIDGE GARDENS, BRIDGEHAMPTON, SUFFOLK, LONG ISLAND, NY
36 Mitchell Lane
Bridgehampton, Long Island, NY

This cozy, five-acre botanical garden in the heart of Bridgehampton was first installed in 1988. Known today for its collection of 800 antique and modern roses, Bridge Gardens also boasts a knot garden surrounded by culinary, medicinal and ornamental herbs. The animal topiaries will make you smile, and the water garden, perennial beds and lavender parterres will soothe your soul.

Bridge Gardens, a stewardship project of the Peconic Land Trust, will open for the 2010 Season on Saturday, April 3rd, when they will be hosting their new annual tradition: the Spring Egg Hunt for Kids!

Hours will according to season; please check the website to be sure

Admission: $10.00 apiece, or $20.00 per family
For More Information: (631) 283-3195

LONGHOUSE RESERVE, EAST HAMPTON, SUFFOLK, LONG ISLAND, NY
133 Hands Creek Road
East Hampton, New York 11937

In line with its mission to bring together art and nature, the 16 acres of LongHouse Reserve are known not only for their gardens and arboretum. You will find that LongHouse is also a contemporary sculpture garden, a highlight of which is a piece entitled "Play it By Trust" by Yoko Ono.

But there's more. Among the thirty-six specialty gardens you'll find the color-coordinated Pink Garden, Red Garden, Golden Path, Black Mirror, and White Pine Alle. There's also a stroll garden, grass garden, and dry river bed, to mention just a few. Visit the website for a virtual tour.

The LongHouse itself, designed by architect Charles Forberg, was inspired by a 7th century Shinto shrine at Ise in Japan. LongHouse Gardens will reopen for the season on May 1, 2010.

Hours:
Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2-5PM for the public and members.
July and August, Wednesday through Saturday 2-5 PM.

Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors.
LHR members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult: free.

For More Information: Tel. (631) 329-3568 Fax (631) 329-4299

THE MADOO CONSERVANCY, SAGAPONACK, SUFFOLK, LONG ISLAND, NY
618 Sagg Main Street
Sagaponack, NY 11967

Described by the New York Times as an "ever-changing masterpiece", Homestyle Magazine in 2001 called Madoo "one of America's ten most beautiful gardens".

The garden masterpiece known as Madoo has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and rightly so. Conceived and maintained by the master artist-plantsman, Robert Dash, Madoo is a work of art in and of itself. Abundant in native plants alone, you'll also find rarities such as a wheel-away bench, and there's even a migrant shack, left on the premises in homage to a past generation.

In addition to the 120-foot long rose walk, you'll marvel at the brightly-colored railings, gates, windows and doors, the English stile, and the double-roofed gazebo constructed of wood and plumber's pipe. Come and enjoy the amazing gardens of an artistic genius.

The season is May 15 through September 15 only.
Hours: Open Friday and Saturday only, 12 noon to 4 pm

Admission: $10.00 for a self-guided tour.
For More Information: (631) 537-8200

GREAT WAY TO SPEND THE DAY WITH YOUR THE FAMILY
Come and commune with nature at one of the great botanical gardens in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. Your family is sure to enjoy it.

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