Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Natasha and Peter Van de Wetering previously owned Van de Wetering Greenhouses, with which they are not affiliated. Van de Wetering Greenhouses is owned by Walter and Karin Gravagna.
Overwhelmed by the mad dash to get to the corn mazes and pumpkins on the North Fork this fall? There’s a new alternative in Aquebogue.
Gardenworx Farm and Garden (1017 Main Road), which opened last year and is known for its beautiful selection of mums, has a large collection of pumpkins to explore, as well as other family friendly fall activities.
“We try to make it fun here,” said Natasha Van de Wetering, who runs the farm along with brother Peter, father Anton and Joe Arigo. “We’re a garden center so we want it to be fun, we want to be a place where kids can just feel free to run and laugh. I think every single one of us that works here is like a big kid.”
Gardenworx has set up several fall-themed displays for photo ops, as well as cornhole boards and a corn maze. The maze is free of charge.
“A lot of kids just love running through the fields,” said Van de Wetering. “It’s so cool to see kids’ reactions to the decorations in the corn maze.”
Inside Gardenworx’s large greenhouse, you’ll find fall and Halloween-themed decorations for sale. Their pumpkin selection includes unique grizzly bear and hog wart varieties and many more seasonal squash and gourds.
The Van de Weterings are Mattituck locals who partnered with Arigo to open the second Gardenworx location in Aquebogue. Arigo also operates Gardenworx LI in Miller Place. In addition to the mums, they recently planted lavender and strawberries for next year.
“We were nervous at first, but more excited [to open Gardenworx in Aquebogue],” said Van de Wetering. “You have the opportunity to have people come in and leave smiling. We want this to be a happy place and for people to come back. The best thing this year has been seeing returning customers from last year that have now become friends of the farm.”
Gardenworx Farm and Garden will be open until Halloween, then close until Black Friday, so get to the corn maze soon.
