Tour the lush hidden landscapes of three private eastern Long Island gardens and benefit a good cause.
The Garden Conservancy, which works to preserve beautiful gardens for public enjoyment, is hosting an “open day” on Long Island when gardens in Cutchogue, Flanders and Stony Brook will open their doors to visitors.
The event is Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the garden of Arnold and Karen Blair in Cutchogue, the garden of Valerie M. Ansalone in Flanders and Mitsuko En’s Japanese garden in Stony Brook.
Of note on the tour is En’s garden which features a tea house, stream and large lilly pond, said Stephanie Werskey of the Garden Conservancy.
“The owner has worked on this property for years with his wife who passed away two years ago,” Wersky said. “He is re-opening it again for the first time since 2006 to honor her memory.
The Cutchogue property flows from an 80-foot elevation down to Peconic Bay via numerous meandering paths.
Admission to each garden is $7 (children 12 and under are free) and all proceeds benefit The Garden Conservancy. No reservations are required and the event is rain or shine.
The Garden Conservancy hosts similar events in cities like Portland, Ore., Chicago and Martha’s Vineyard.
The Mattituck garden is located at 1200 East Mill Road. Directions to the Southold garden can be obtained either during the visit to the Dennis Schrader and Bill Smith garden or by calling 1-888-842-2442.
Visitors may begin the tour at any of these locations: Garden of Arnold & Karen Blair, 4560 Vanston Road, Cutchogue; Garden of Valerie M. Ansalone, 86 Risa Court, Flanders; or Mitsuko En, 68 Aspen Lane, Stony Brook.
The Garden Conservancy will also host tours on eastern Long Island on July 11 and September 12.
