Ever wondered what grows behind certain stone walls or iron gates but never had the opportunity to take a peek? Ever want to visit the yard of a professional landscaper?
You'll have a chance this weekend when the annual Garden Conservancy's 'Open Days' program comes to our village.
Organized by the Cold Spring-based national garden preservation organization, Open Days are designed to share good gardening ideas and open spaces to visitors that may not otherwise have a chance to see private gardens and learn from their owners.
Each year, the open days program draws 75,000 to gardens nationwide, according to the conservancy's website.
Open Days began on April 28 and run through November 3 and features many gardens in Westchester and in the surrounding area. Gardens are included after an owner nominates themselves or is nominated by a conservancy "scout."
This Sunday, June 24, private gardens are open to the public in Bedford, a TBD Westchester location (by request of the owner, the address will be revealed to those on the tour or by calling weekdays 888-842-2442), and one right here on Neperan Road. (There are also four Rockland County gardens to tour; you can check the schedule for more details).
Here's the invitation to visit the garden of Robert Welsch, owner of :
June 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Westover on Hudson, 149 Neperan Road
Who says the suburbs are all about lawns? Located on a steep slope in the village of Tarrytown, this garden and the gravel dining and lounging terrace do not feature a lawn. Instead, the garden designer and owner, Robert Welsch of Westover Landscape Design, has created a series of stone paths winding up and down the slope, and planted with waves of color and texture. At each curve, a new collection of plants beckons: rare rhododendron and aralias, cryptomeria, huge mature oak leaf and limelight hydrangea, and a hillside interplanted with hundreds of sun-loving caryopteris, agastache, red hot pokers, and salvias. Several “landing pads” are built into the paths and planted to provide a calm focal point for visitors to sit and relax. The garden also includes fanciful oversized window boxes and container plantings, and a serene bubbling fountain spilling over a Balinese jar. Well planned, the garden has an organic, natural, and exuberant feel. This is an inspirational garden for those who have a small yard and want to fill it with year-round beauty.
No advance ticket purchase or reservation are necessary—tours are self-guided and cost $5 on the day of your visit. Got kids under age 12 interested in gardening and sustainability? Bring them for free.
