A grand estate built in 1904 in Oyster Bay, Long Island, Planting Fields is now a public arboretum owned by the State of New York. This spacious site includes a restored mansion with adjacent sweeping lawn areas bounded by large specimen trees; formal gardens and fountains; extensive plant collections; numerous woodland trails; tropical greenhouses; and other structures and spaces of historic value. There were several designers involved in planning this property over the years, including the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm of Brookline, Massachusetts, who oversaw projects from 1918 until 1944. Below are a few images of the property that I took during a visit this summer.
Colorful blooms at the Arboretum Center
Vegetation covers a wall near the Rose and Pool Gardens
The Italian Blue Pool Garden
Perennials at the Pool Garden
Perennials at the Pool Garden
A pleasant, shady trail
Parrotia persica in the Synoptic Garden
The Synoptic Garden includes an extensive plant collection.
Coe Hall (north side)
Coe Hall (south side)
East Lawn near Coe Hall
Photos by Alice Webb
Land Perspectives 