In early autumn 2023, eight members of the Driftwood Garden Club visited glorious gardens and gilded-age mansions in the Hudson Valley of New York. Starting with a gourmet lunch at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, we proceeded to tour the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion followed by a guided tour of Beatrix Farrand’s private garden. Beatrix was a woman trailblazer in landscape gardening and architecture whose work defined American taste in gardens in the first half of the 20th century.
Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, NY, is alive with native woodland plants tucked along winding paths and vivid groupings of stunning flowers. The stone ‘bothy’ cottages and glass conservatory hold all sorts of gardening treasures and supplies. Renowned for their collection of alpine plants, Stonecrop began in 1958 as a private garden built by Frank Cabot and his wife Anne, and opened to the public in 1992.
Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, NY, offers stunning views across the Hudson River to West Point Academy. The estate has a storied history, home to both loyalists and patriots during the American revolution era. The neoclassical mansion was built between 1804 and 1806 but fell into disrepair in the 1950s. Preservationists saved many architectural features, and the house was rebuilt and restored to its original grandeur. The grounds contain 68 acres of lush gardens and trails.
We were awed by the stained-glass windows in historic Union Church of Pocantico Hills in Tarrytown. The Rockefeller family commissioned these glass masterpieces in memory of family members. The dramatic Rose Window was Henri Matisse’s last commissioned work. Nine windows by artist Marc Chagall create a powerful combination of light and color. One member of our group got married in this very church!
Our tour of Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY, covered two floors of the opulent mansion and access to the expansive grounds. The views of the Hudson River were gorgeous, despite it being an overcast day.
Even in the rain, the New York Botanical Garden is a magical place to visit. We enjoyed the outdoor gardens as well as explored the Conservatory containing plants from around the world.
Although rain canceled our first reservation, on the following day we were fortunate to have an extended tour of Kykuit Estates in Sleepy Hollow. The estate, with sweeping river views, was home to four generations of Rockefellers. The gardens, stone hardscapes, sculptures, and outbuildings were spectacular.
We felt we just scratched the surface of treasures that Hudson Valley offers. We hope to return!
Driftwood Garden Club 