garden tours westchester

Garden Hopping in Westchester County

Why is Westchester County one of the nation’s great garden tourism areas? As a professional landscape designer and avid garden visitor, I have to say that it’s our unequaled concentration of so many world-class estate, historic home and public gardens. Nowhere else can you visit such varied garden destinations, all in close proximity, all in one easily traversed county.

Add to this the diverse natural features that Westchester offers — from the splendid Hudson River Valley to the shores of Long Island Sound to inland, rocky woodlands — and you have a true garden mecca.

To get you started on your outdoor adventure, here are my personal suggestions for garden hopping (on the rest of our map you’ll find more details about both these and other don’t-miss destinations):

Begin at the amazing Kendall Sculpture Garden in Purchase. It forms the extensive grounds around Pepsico’s world headquarters and was designed by a great British designer, Russell Page. You can see his touch in the formal modern layout of the landscape. Some of my favorites within the site are groves of white birch trees, an ornamental grass garden and a bog garden with a series of rectangular pools that reflect the sky.

Another must-visit garden is at Kykuit, the grand estate of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller. It’s a magical place that offers long views across the Hudson River. The gardens here are sweeping and include bubbling fountains, grottoes and spectacular ornamental trees such as magnolias, cherries and dogwoods, that drape over the outstanding stonework.

Another personal favorite is Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem. I love walking around this gem of an Asian-style garden. The central feature is its naturalistic pond, ringed with irises and ferns. The Japanese maples planted here are stunning, especially when they sport their colorful fall foliage. And in spring, the flowering Japanese cherry trees gladden any garden-lover’s heart as they foretell of warmer days to come.

The Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah in Northern Westchester should definitely be on your itinerary. This Italian-style estate is so fun to visit because it offers an array of garden areas to savor. I particularly like the Sunken Garden and the Iris & Peony Garden. And don’t forget the glorious music that they offer!

This is just a sampling of the marvelous natural offerings that make Westchester a garden lover’s delight. Enjoy!

Westchester County-based author, blogger and educator Jan Johnsen is an award-winning landscape designer. An instructor at the New York Botanical Garden and contributing editor for Garden Design Magazine, her books include Heaven is a Garden and The Spirit of Stone.

Westchester’s Historic Homes & Gardens The wealthy, powerful and cultured of New York and beyond have long chosen Westchester for their stately homes and retreats. If you’re a history buff, architecture connoisseur or horticulture enthusiast, this is the spot to create your own tour of memorable mansions and glorious gardens.

1. Historic Hudson Valley 914-366-6900; hudsonvalley.org

See the estate of the family whose very name symbolizes American riches, visit a modest church featuring unexpected treasures, learn about the lives of Colonial-era slaves, and discover the charming home of America’s first celebrity author. It’s all part of a unique collection of sites managed by Historic Hudson Valley:

The star attraction is Kykuit, once home to oil magnate John D. Rockefeller. Tour the main rooms of the six-story house, marvel at priceless collections that include classic cars and works by world-famous artists, and then stroll the extensive terraced gardens, dotted with sculptures, pavilions and grottos, all framed by sweeping Hudson River views. 

Next is Union Church of Pocantico Hills, where you’ll see a stunning collection of stained-glass windows, including Henri Matisse’s final work and a series of nine panels by Marc Chagall, with some honoring members of the Rockefeller clan. Trace this unique attraction’s history by downloading the free app.

A busy farm, gristmill and trading center in the 1700s, Philipsburg Manor offers a hands-on look at life before the American Revolution. Work flax into linen, thresh wheat, visit the 300-year-old manor house, and hear tales of the indispensible role slaves played in the colonies’ early economy.

At Van Cortlandt Manor, discover more opportunities for immersion in the day-to-day experiences of our forebearers with cooking, candle making, even writing with a quill pen. Tour the manor, brick ferry house and heritage garden, where you’ll find an array of period-appropriate plants. 

Some of American literature’s most enduring characters, from The Headless Horseman to Rip van Winkle, were created by Washington Irving. America’s first internationally famous author made his home at Sunnyside, a quirky house draped in wisteria and set among garden paths and river views.

Visit hudsonvalley.org for details on all sites, including hours and directions; admission is by timed tours only; Kykuit tours begin at the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor.

Notable events  Two famed Halloween-season extravaganzas, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® at Van Cortlandt Manor and Horseman’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor.  

2. Lyndhurst 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-631-4481; lyndhurst.org

Google “Gothic Revival Architecture” and you’ll find the name Alexander Jackson Davis, one of the most successful American architects of his generation and the genius who designed Lyndhurst in 1838. Inspired by medieval forms, this ornate style features castle-like turrets, arched windows and stained glass — all on display at Lyndhurst. The mansion’s most famous resident was 19th-century American railroad developer Jay Gould, whose private office is part of your tour. Sample Gilded Age elegance as you move through the sumptuous Victorian dining room, library and Grand Picture Gallery. Many elaborately decorated rooms feature art, antiques and furniture original to this fairy-tale castle. There’s also a recently restored 1894 bowling alley, an “upstairs-downstairs” tour that takes you through the servants’ quarters and an observation tower with Hudson River views. Lyndhurst’s 67-acre site, free to stroll, has been preserved to reflect 19th-century landscape design with vast lawns, surprise views and a romantic rose garden, complete with a flower-draped pergola.

 Notable events  Concerts, craft fairs, gardening workshops and special exhibits. 

3. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts 49 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; 914-232-1252; caramoor.org

In 1914, successful banker Walter T. Rosen fell in love with Lucie Bigelow Dodge, who shared his enduring passion for the arts. Well-known patrons of the creative class, they ensured that their beloved summer estate in Katonah be preserved as a cultural center in a unique natural setting. Today, you can lose yourself in 90 acres of perennial and seasonal gardens and cultivated landscapes — from a dazzling array of peonies, irises and day lilies to a cluster of butterfly-attracting flora to the manicured serenity of the Sunken Garden. And you can enjoy acclaimed classical, jazz and operatic performances throughout the year at indoor and outdoor sites like the Venetian Theater and a Spanish-style courtyard. Leave time to visit the Caramoor mansion, which houses a vast collection of artwork, sculpture and other treasures, including a 40-panel Chinese screen of carved jade and a lacquered room that once graced an Italian palazzo.

Notable events  Concerts representing many musical genres — classical, opera, American roots, jazz, chamber, kid-friendly. 

4. John Jay Homestead 400 Jay St., Katonah; 914-232-5651; johnjayhomestead.org

Among the nation’s founding fathers, few were as prolific as John Jay — he served as President of the Continental Congress, Governor of New York and the nation’s first Chief Justice. A respected negotiator, he also co-authored The Federalist Papers and helped frame the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Despite his illustrious career, Jay looked forward to settling at his Westchester County farmhouse. He retired in 1801, but his beloved wife, Sarah, died just a year later. Jay never remarried and lived a quiet country farmer’s life at the Katonah homestead until his death in 1829. Today, as you wander through the home’s halls, bedrooms and parlors, you’ll find that simple country atmosphere largely unchanged: The interior has been restored to reflect its appearance during Jay’s lifetime, and well over half of the furnishings are original to Jay and his family. You can visit historic farm buildings, an interactive education center and walk (or, in the winter, snowshoe) 62 acres of fields and gardens.

Notable events  Friday picnics, annual Barn Dance, renowned Farm Market, lectures, play days.

5. Untermyer Park & Gardens 914-613-4502; untermyergardens.org

Samuel Untermyer was a highly successful lawyer and investor and close ally of President Woodrow Wilson. He once famously said that he would have preferred being Parks Commissioner of New York City. Untermyer’s passion for horticulture led him to create gardens and greenhouses that were among the most celebrated in America during the 1920s and ‘30s. Today, 43 acres remain that still dazzle with their inventive design elements. Walled, rock, color and sundial gardens, a descending stair to a Hudson River overlook and a cascading rocky waterfall topped by a stone temple offer a memorable escape.

Notable events  Garden parties, summer festival of music, dance and theater.

7. Kendall Sculpture Garden/PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; 914-253-3150; pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens

Westchester County is home to what may be the world’s most extraordinary sculpture garden — 45 works by famed artists like Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Joan Miró, Auguste Rodin and Alberto Giacometti, spread across 168 acres surrounding Pepsico’s world headquarters. The natural settings were laid out by Englishman Russell Page, one of the 20th century’s greatest landscape designers. Download the free app for visitors information, a site map, videos and a guide to the sculptures and 11 themed gardens that highlight, among other flora, birch and oak trees, irises, fall foliage, grasses and lily ponds. Open weekends March through October.

Notable events  School and camp groups welcomed for tours by reservation.

7. Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem; 914-669-5033; hammondmuseum.org

Dating to the 17th century, Japanese Stroll Gardens were designed to present a series of “scenic gems” connected by paths that lead to a ceremonial tea house. Stepping stones beckon you forward, partial views suggest a revealing scene just ahead, and different perspectives encourage a leisurely, contemplative appreciation of trees and flowers. Created by artist Natalie Hays Hammond in 1957, this garden and museum drew on her extensive Asian travels, which inspired her to create a place where Eastern and Western culture could meet. In Hammond’s words: “As people often travel to escape routine problems and obligations, or to escape themselves, so should they find peace in an unhurried journey through a stroll garden.” The museum offers exhibitions of contemporary and historic works representing Eastern and Eastern-influenced artists. 

Notable events  Annual Moon Viewing concert (August), bonsai and tea ceremony workshops.

8. Lasdon Park & Arboretum 2610 Amawalk Rd., Katonah; 914-864-7268; lasdonpark.org

It’s no surprise that the stately home at the heart of this public park looks familiar — it was modeled after George Washington’s famous Mount Vernon in Virginia. In 1939, it became the home of William Lasdon, a noted philanthropist whose family was passionate about horticulture and travel. The Lasdons collected countless tree specimens from around the world and planted them on the estate — the beginnings of the extensive gardens and wildlife habitats you can enjoy today. As you walk through Lasdon Park, you’ll also encounter the Conservatory — a glass-enclosed space that immerses visitors in the lush, moisture-soaked beauty of a rainforest. A dinosaur garden, Chinese friendship garden and American chestnut grove are just a few of the other natural attractions on display.   

Notable events  Seasonal train shows, concerts, plant sales and garden shows.

Also of interest:

9. Philipse Manor Hall 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; 914-965-4027; parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/37/details.aspx

Once home to a Colonial loyalist who fled to England during the American Revolution, it is now a museum and a fine example of high-style Georgian architecture. Don’t miss: the 1750s papier-mâché Rococo ceiling and the collection of presidential portraits.  

10. Glenview Mansion at the Hudson River Museum 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; 914-963-4550; hrm.org/mansion.html 

With castle-like turrets that command a majestic view of the Hudson, Glenview has been restored to show life in a Gilded Age household. Don’t miss: the magnificent grand staircase and a library featuring polished black furniture inspired by Japanese design.  

635 S. Broadway

Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts

149 Girdle Ridge Rd.

Donald M. Kendall/Pepsico Sculpture Gardens

700 Anderson Hill Rd.

Philipsburg Manor

381 N. Broadway, (Route 9)

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

29 Warburton Ave.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Museum

2610 NY Route 35

Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate

381 N. Broadway

Jay Heritage Center

210 Boston Post Rd.

John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

400 Jay St.

The Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden

28 Deaveau Rd.

Van Cortlandt Manor

525 S. Riverside Ave.

Washington Irving's Sunnyside

3 W. Sunnyside Ln.

Untermyer Park & Gardens

945 N. Broadway

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Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission and not valid for specially ticketed events and blackout days (all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas and every day December 25 through January 3). Check your tickets for additional restrictions.

Flowering Dogwood in Bloom

A beautiful spring Pennsylvania native, flowering dogwood is a medium-sized tree that blooms in late April to early May.

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Join us for lively summer evenings with these captivating performances in the beauty of our Gardens.

Angélique Kidjo

This five-time Grammy Award winner blends the West African traditions of her Benin childhood with elements of American R&B, funk, jazz, and more during this high-energy performance.

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Fireworks & Fountains Shows are back and better than ever. Tickets on sale now.

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Spring Florals for Mother’s Day

Find your inspiration in creating a beautiful spring arrangement for Mother’s Day during this live virtual demonstration.

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Crevice Garden Container Workshop

Explore the technique of crevice gardening, which replicates the exposed and rocky conditions of such environments as mountaintops, deserts, and coastlines.

Flower of the Month: Lily-of-the-Valley

Explore this springtime bloom and create your own arrangement that celebrates its clusters of bell-shaped flowers.

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As we await the opening of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience on November 22, we are delighted to share with you a few of the many facets of this project … so you can see true beauty in the making.

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May 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm

Join Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud and explore how compost serves as a sustainable, eco-friendly, cost-effective practice that not only closes the waste loop but also elevates the overall health and resilience of a garden.

Untermyer Gardens

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Feel the Peace & Wisdom of Nature at the Hammond

Celebrating the exquisite, yet short-lived beauty of Cherry Blossoms, the 

Hammond is counting down the days until our Weeping Cherry and Kwanzan Cherry Trees blossom, usually around the week of April 20th. Watch this space for regular updates of the blossoms' progress.

Dogwood Blossoms

The splendid show provided by our Weeping Cherry is quickly drawing to a close. Come see it while you can!

Museum exhibitions, a plethora of plants: real, observed, imagined.

Ruby Silvious: Waste Not

Cyanotypes on Egg Shells , 2019

Blue Markers

Ruby Silvious

Tea Hut Art Sculpture by Kurt Steger

Continuum #1

Kurt Steger

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TRANSFORMATIVE PRUNING AT THE HAMMOND

Discover how ralph padilla, director of forestry/horticulture for the city of yonkers, is tending, sculpting, and improving the health and appearance of the hammond's japanese stroll garden in this essay by hammond trustee dr. lara netting., the hammond museum mission:.

The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden is an intimate oasis providing access to peace and mindfulness for all through our tranquil Japanese style gardens and innovative arts and education programs.

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8 Hudson Valley Gardens and Sculpture Parks To Visit

Summer has arrived and we are all itching to get outside and explore. Thankfully, New York State has slowly started to reopen. Here are 8 Hudson Valley gardens and sculpture parks that you are able to visit. Of course masks must be worn and social distancing rules apply. However, it’s a chance to get out and explore the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Please check directly with the organization for the most up-to-date information. Art Omi (Columbia County) 1405 County Route 22 Ghent, NY 12075 (518) 392-4747

Art Omi is a 120 acre art and sculpture park in Ghent, NY. Admission is free. Parking is limited during this time and visitors will be turned away if the parking lot is at capacity. Face masks must be worn in the parking lot and when passing others. Social distancing rules apply. Restrooms are not open.

Brunel Sculpture Garden (Ulster County) Junction of Route 28 & DeSilva Road Boiceville, NY 12412 (845) 205-3839 The Brunel Sculpture Garden is located on 1.3-acres and is home to over a dozen statues and sculptures. Emile Brunel was an artist who decorated his property with sculptures inspired by Native American art seen on his travels.  Open Daily:   1 – 5 PM for self-guided tours *Admission is free. *Please follow social distancing guidelines.

Innisfree Gardens (Dutchess County) 362 Tyrrel Rd. Millbrook, NY 12545 Innisfree Gardens is a 185-acre garden located in Millbrook, NY. Open: Wednesday – Sunday

Admission: $10/adults, $5/seniors, $5 children (5-15), Free/children 4 & under

Entrance by timed reservations only. There are three different time slots: (10 AM – 12 PM) (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM) and (3 PM – 5 PM). *All visitors in the reservation must arrive together in one vehicle. *Face masks must be worn and social distancing rules apply. *Open rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.

Lasdon Park (Westchester County) 2610 Amawalk Road Katonah, NY 10536 Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veteran’s Memorial consists of 234-acres of open grass meadows, woodlands and gardens.

There is also a Dinosaur Garden that is fun for kids to walk through and an online scavenger hunt. Open Daily: 8 AM – 4 PM *Trails and garden are open for walking. *Bathrooms are closed. *Social distancing rules must be followed. Olana State Historic Site (Columbia County) 5720 State Route 9G Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-1872 Although public programs and tours are currently closed, the 250-acre landscape (State Park) is currently open. Open Daily: 8:30 AM – 6 PM *Social distancing rules must be followed.

Opus 40 (Ulster County) 50 Fite Road Saugerties, NY 12477 Opus 40 is a world-famous sculpture park and museum. It includes 6.5 acres of walkable sculpture, .5 acre meadow and more than 50 acres of walkable trails. Admission: $11/general admission, $8/seniors and students Open Thursday – Sundays, 11 AM – 3 PM Visits are a maximum of two hours for groups of 5 or fewer only. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. Parking is limited during this time.

Orange County Arboretum (Orange County) 41 Grove Street Montgomery, NY 12549 (845) 615-3830

The Orange County Arboretum includes  35-acres of gardens, trees, shrubs and more.  It is operated and maintained by the County Parks department along with the Friends of the Orange County Arboretum. Open Daily :  Dawn to Dusk (6 PM on weekends)

*Admission is free.

*Face masks are required for admission and social distancing rules must be followed.

*No street parking. 

Wethersfield Estate & Gardens (Dutchess County) 257 Pugsley Hill Road Amenia, NY 12501 Wethersfield Estate & Gardens is the home of Chauncey Devereux Stillman. There are three acres of formal Italian garden and seven acres of wilderness garden to explore. The estate is currently closed. Open: Gardens are open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM (June – September) Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk *The Garden fee is waived this season as a gift to the community *Restrooms are closed *Face masks must be worn and social distancing rules apply.

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Garden Tours

Westchester County is home to many beautiful natural areas that can be visited all year long.

The areas on this map are selected for being inspiring and educative to home gardeners who are interested in embracing more natural elements in their yard.

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

More From Forbes

Westchester, new york in bloom: 6 captivating spring visits.

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Peony in bloom at Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Spring awakens in Westchester County, New York, with vibrant blooms and outdoor adventures. It’s a perfect time of year to escape the city bustle for a refreshing day trip and explore parks, gardens, and scenic landscapes.

As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and flowering trees and plants burst with color, here is just a sampling of places to enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors in Westchester County this spring.

Admire The Floral Explosion at Lyndhurst (Tarrytown)

Lyndhurst is a historic mansion set on 67 expansive acres beside the Hudson River, just south of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Also known as the Jay Gould Estate (the railroad tycoon), it was designed in 1838, opened as a museum in 1965, and was featured in The Gilded Age TV series.

For the annual flower show, Lyndhurst In Bloom (Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st, 2024), designers set up stunning floral displays in the Gothic Revival-style mansion set against the opulent interiors of the mansion.

Stroll through the Peony Garden at Rockefeller State Park Preserve (Pleasantville)

Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers 45 miles of scenic carriage roads originally built by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., a mecca for walkers, runners, and nature lovers. Not surprisingly, the park also attracts artists, photographers, and painters.

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Between the end of April and the beginning of June (the exact dates determined by nature), hundreds of tree peonies burst out with huge blossoms in shades of pink, fuchsia, lavender, red, and white, greeting visitors at the park's gatehouse entrance.

The precious shrubs were a gift from the Shimane Prefecture of Japan to express their solidarity with the U.S. after the catastrophic events of 9/11. Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve holds a Peony Celebration each year, scheduled this year for May 9, 2024, between 6 and 9 pm. The fundraiser includes a floral show and a silent auction.

Explore The Expansive Gardens at Kykuit (Pocantico Hills)

Kykuit , a spectacular house museum and garden, is the former home of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., and subsequent generations of the Rockefeller family. After the death of Nelson Rockefeller (a four-term governor of New York State and Vice-President under Gerald Ford), the family turned the estate over to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The park-like setting offers views of the Hudson River and more than 90 outdoor sculptures strategically placed to catch the light. Rockefeller initially hired landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (famous for co-designing Central Park) but completed the project himself. The Beaux-Arts gardens, designed by William Welles Bosworth between 1906 and 1913, are considered one of his best works. They include the Rose Garden, Italian Garden, and Brook Garden.

Visitors can only enter the estate during guided tours offered by the non-profit Historic Hudson Valley . Tours begin each year in May and end in November.

Immerse Yourself in the History and Beauty of Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers)

Samuel Untermyer, an attorney and one of the most prominent Jews of his time, was passionate about horticulture. After purchasing Greystone (the former estate of Samuel Tilden), he expanded the property and hired William Welles Bosworth to design gardens covering 150 acres of land overlooking the Hudson River.

After his death, some of the gardens fell into ruin. Years later, head gardener Timothy Tilghman became involved in an ambitious effort to restore the gardens in partnership with the Yonkers Parks Department and the non-profit Untermyer Gardens Conservancy .

During April and May 2024, visitors can enjoy public (and private) garden tours on Sundays, including bird walks, history tours, and walking tours.

Enjoy the County’s Largest Lilac Collection at Lasdon Park and Arboretum (Katonah)

Visitors can stroll the grounds of this public garden and witness the vibrant cherry blossoms (usually between April and early May), take a historic tree walk, visit the Chinese Friendship Garden, and more.

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 11 am, the park will host a free walking tour, In Celebration of Trees , to enjoy the beauty of and learn about its early flowering trees. Other nature walks and events are scheduled throughout the season.

In May, visitors can enjoy one of the county’s largest selections of lilacs, with over 90 species on display, including purple, rose, and white blooms.

Pedal Along A Scenic Parkway on Bicycle Sundays (Bronx River Parkway)

The beautifully landscaped Bronx River Parkway, which winds through the southern part of Westchester County parallel to the river after which it is named, was one of the first automotive roadways when it opened in 1925.

Each year, the roadway is closed to vehicles on certain dates between May and October when the Westchester Parks Foundation sponsors Bicycle Sundays , allowing bicyclists to enjoy the 13.1-mile loop. The program started in 1974 and also invites inline skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers to join the fun.

The understated and elegant home of John D. Rockefeller just north of New York City in the Hudson ... [+] River Valley of NY.

• Westchester County, New York, is bordered by the Hudson River to the west and Long Island Sound to the east. It boasts more than 24,000 acres of parkland. The southernmost part of the county abuts the Bronx and is only 11 miles from Columbus Circle in Manhattan. It is easy to get to by car or public transportation.
• Before you go, check the respective websites for directions and hours and see if advance ticketing or reservations are required. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby towns, each with unique charm, including historical and cultural sites, restaurants, shopping, and other attractions.
• For additional ideas, see Visit Westchester New York .
• To help plan the timing of these and other visits in Westchester and beyond, check out the recently launched interactive New York Blooms Report . The report is updated weekly to help New Yorkers identify the best flower festivals and events at more than 30 partner attractions across the state.

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Where to See Cherry Blossoms In and Around Westchester

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The magic and wonder of spring starts with the first bloom of the cherry blossoms, or sakura. We are constantly in awe of this beautiful Japanese flower, personified by its delicate pink and white petals. These ornamental trees are said to represent renewal, new beginnings, hope, and promise. However, its viewing time is incredibly short (typically in April-early May). Read on to check out where you and your family can see this glorious flower in and around Westchester.

Psst…looking for more springtime fun events? Check out our Westchester Spring Bucket List: 25 Cool Things to Do in Westchester this Spring

Harbor Island Park (Mamaroneck)

Spend a day at this waterfront beach and play area as you soak in views of the cherry blossoms. The park also includes picnic tables, benches, ball fields, a nearby beach, and more. Harbor Island Park, 60-98 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

J Harvey Turnure Memorial Park (White Plains)

Enjoy picturesque views of cherry blossoms, along with access to a playground and over four acres of space. This park is also the location of the Annual White Plains Cherry Blossom Festival (date TBA). J Harvey Turnure Memorial Park , 26 Lake St, White Plains, NY 10603.

Lasdon Park (Katonah)

View the cherry blossoms at this beautiful public park and garden. In addition to strolling the grounds, you can enjoy various spring events. This includes gardening, preschool art and storytime, and much more. 2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah , NY 10536

Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden (North Salem)

Soak in the beauty of the 3.5 acres Japanese Stroll Garden. This includes enjoying meandering paths, ponds, stunning landscape, garden views, and the beautiful cherry blossoms. Opening day is on Saturday, April 6th. Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Road, North Salem, NY 10560.

Cherry Collection, NYBG (The Bronx)

Enjoy more than 200 flowering cherry trees with your kids at The New York Botanical Garden. Enjoy the magic of spring from March-May where families can see them bloom in the garden’s beautiful landscape. Additionally, they can be viewed at the Cherry Collection, Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and at Daffodil Hill.  2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458.

Boscobel House & Gardens (Garrison)

Enjoy access to 68 acres of gardens and grounds during your visit to the historic Boscobel House & Gardens. In addition to cherry blossom viewing, they have events for families, landscape tours, and activities for kids. Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524.

Hastings-on-Hudson Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)

Saturday, may 4th from 10:00am-5:00pm rotary’s 7th annual cherry blossom festival (peekskill).

Celebrate the beginning of spring at The Rotary Club of Peekskill’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy various children activities, flower paint potting, arts and crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, craft vendors, food trucks, and a book drive. Throughout the space, enjoy viewing 100 cherry blossom trees along the waterfront and walkway. Additionally, proceeds raised by the Rotary Club of Peekskill will go back to back the community, as well as international projects. Finally, admission and parking are free with easy access from the Peekskill train station.  Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, 1 Robin Dr. Peekskill, NY 10566

Serena Norr

Serena Norr is the Digital Editor of Westchester Family who loves exploring Westchester County with her three kids. She loves all things digital, playwriting, and helping brands behind the scenes with marketing. You can find her on Instagram at @serenanorrcreative and @lets.makeaplay.

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Preserving, sharing, and celebrating america’s gardens The Garden Conservancy

Westchester County, NY Open Day

Sat, jun 15, 2024.

To register, please click on the garden name or photo below.

This ecological restoration by Sara Stein, the native plant pioneer, spans 5.5 acres and includes upland and wetland meadows, woodlands, and thickets...

This 1925 home in Mount Kisco is one of five designed and built by Lillian Greneker, whose works are now curated in Harvard's Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America.

The garden offers several vantage points for peaceful reflection and meditation with serene river views: the water garden, the gazebo overlooking the stream-fed duck pond, and the lawn. A newly planted vineyard with cold hardy grapes is fed by natural water from the pond...

Following the original garden design from Mott Schmidt's award-winning 1926 Country House of the Year, these gardens have been updated to include native plants that are of no interest to the resident deer.

Brae Willows, a one-acre garden, began its infancy in June 1967 as an open, barren piece of land with three rhododendrons and a smattering of mature trees…

Nearby Events

Sun, Jun 30 | Bedford , NY

Digging Deeper: Collaboration

with Carolyn Clark-Tenney and Betsy Mitchell of Avant Gardens

Sat, Jun 8 | Multiple Locations

Fairfield County, CT Open Day

Sat, Aug 24 | Multiple Locations

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Craft breweries and cideries showcase the booming beverage scene in westchester county..

Apr 27, 2024, 2:33 AM

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Things To Do | Delight and hard work meet at Historic Garden…

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Things to do | driver dead after crashing into security barrier at little creek navy base, things to do, things to do | delight and hard work meet at historic garden week in virginia beach, delight and hard work meet as visitors tour homes and gardens at the north end..

Guests walk up to the McCarty home during the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 24, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Molly Ill arranges a display in the garage of the McCarty home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024, ahead of the Historic Garden Week show. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Louise and Greg Battaglia stand for a portrait with their dog Cora in the backyard of their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. Greg Battaglia designed the home himself, renovating from the original structure. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Guests walk through the Battaglia home during the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 24, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Volunteers help prepare for the Historic Garden Week show at the Goodman home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Guests react to floral displays as they wander through the Goodman home during the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 24, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

A hole in the window shows a baseball related incident at the Denton Home featured in the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 24, 2024. The theme of the show this year was ‘living with style’ and how families display their character in a lived-in environment. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

A flower basket rests on the rear of a Nissan Figueroa parked outside the Battaglia home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

A mannequin rests in the bathtub for a display at the McCaa home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

The Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, showcases private homes around Virginia Beach’s North End neighborhoods. Six homes were featured in this year’s program, with two making a return appearance. Seen is a pink bengal rose peaking through delpinium and hydrangea at the McCaa home on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Guests walk through the McCarty home during the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 24, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Arranger Sara Catherine Kibler carries in plants to be displayed at the Denton Home for the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as seen on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Martha Goodman stands for a portrait in her garden in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. Goodman bought the neighboring plot to her home with the intended use of creating a garden with Ann Stokes. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Marianne Littel arranges a display at the Goodman Home ahead of the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Volunteers help prepare for the Historic Garden Week show in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024, at the Goodman home. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Volunteers help prepare for the Historic Garden Week show at the McCarty home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

Carolyn McCarty stands for a portrait at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. McCarty’s home is one of two on the tour that features AstroTurf. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

A flower display is silhouetted against a window at the Denton home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 23, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

It didn’t take much convincing for Louise and Greg Battaglia to join in Virginia Beach’s Historic Garden Week last week.

Greg designed the North End cottage with oiled white oak floors, handmade clay tiles and a backyard with ipe decking and a fireplace. He also designed another tour destination, the McCarty home, a bungalow built for low-maintenance summers at the shore. It features a combination of natural grasses and AstroTurf, and floor-to-ceiling windows that draw light across the entire downstairs.

Louise has also been best friends with Holli Wachmeister, the garden club co-chair, since grade school. When the call came in asking them to participate, Louise said, she “couldn’t say no.”

The garden club is responsible for creating the dynamic floral arrangements, with each home assigned its own squad dedicated to specific sections of the space. Each local group sets a theme.

“I love the fact that the garden club comes through and does these amazing arrangements,” she said. The arrangers “have used a lot of flowers out of their own yards, and a lot that are native to Virginia. It’s really an honor for our house to be a backdrop to some amazing work.”

The hard part, however, is finding homes that people want to see, and people who want their houses to be seen. The process takes over a year — and crafting a sales pitch for homeowners to let strangers into their homes is just the start. Garden club co-chairs Maria Hillebrandt and Wachmeister reached out to friends and family of the club to curate the tour.

“We got turned down a lot,” Hillebrandt said. “People are really being incredibly generous and open to let hundreds of strangers walk through their home. Not everyone wants to do that, and some don’t think their home is garden-tour worthy, but we would never ask someone if we didn’t think so.”

While the idea of the show may be sweeping landscapes and grand estates, the approach to the Virginia Beach tour this year was a little different.

It was about how families maintain a stylish, decorated home, and allow kids and family members to work and play.

“I’m interested in seeing what it looks like when there are children running around,”  Hillebrandt said. “How do you balance art and style and design? It comes across in multiple different ways.”

The tour also requires lots of extra hands, with more than 250 volunteers for the Virginia Beach tour and thousands across the state. A sponsorship chair is responsible for finding funding for the tour.

Costs for flowers, transportation, brochures and additional materials for the tour add up quickly, Hillebrandt said. Because of the narrow streets in the North End, the tour required a van for guests to visit areas with limited parking. If costs are covered, remaining proceeds are used to restore and preserve historic gardens and landscapes throughout the state.

Many guests have been taking in the views for years. Cindy Hyman, a Virginia Beach local, loves attending the tour every year she can, and has on and off since 1985.

She was at the McCarty home Wednesday. “I love it,” she said.  “I’ve been wanting to see the inside of this house since they remodeled, and it’s exquisite. It exceeds expectations.”

Billy Schuerman, [email protected]

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Breaking news, billie eilish announces ‘hit me hard and soft tour.’ get tickets today.

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At just 22-years-old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than most recording artists will in their entire lives.

Over the past decade, the “Bad Guy” singer released two number one albums, hosted “Saturday Night Live” and collected nine Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards to name just a few of her many impressive achievements.

This year, she’s going back for more.

Eilish just announced she is embarking on the worldwide ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR’ in support of her upcoming album with the same name, due out May 17.

The worldwide tour includes a stop at Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center on Wednesday, Oct. 9 as well a trio of back-to-back-to-back gigs at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 16-18.

After Eilish wraps the North American leg of ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,’ she’s slated to perform at venues all over the world including in Australia, Sweden, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

Her 10-month run concludes at Dublin’s 3Arena on July 27, 2025.

If you want tickets to see Eilish deliver the hits as well as debut tracks from her new album live this year, tickets for all U.S. and Canadian concerts can be found as soon as today.

Although inventory isn’t available on Ticketmaster until Friday, May 3, fans who want to ensure they have tickets ahead of time can purchase on sites like Vivid Seats before tickets are officially on sale.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

Billie Eilish tour schedule 2024

A calendar including all North American (as well as a handful of U.K. tour dates), venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.

Billie Eilish set list

The most recent full set Eilish performed was at Atlanta, GA’s Midtown Music Festival in September 2023.

According to Set List FM , here’s what she took to the stage that evening:

01.) “bury a friend” 02.) “I Didn’t Change My Number” 03.) “NDA” 04.) “Therefore I Am” 05.) “my strange addiction” 06.) “idontwannabeyouanymore / lovely” 07.) “my future” 08.) “you should see me in a crown” 09.) “Billie Bossa Nova” 10.) “GOLDWING” 11.) “What Was I Made For?” 12.) “Oxytocin / COPYCAT” 13.) “ilomilo” Acoustic

14.) “i love you / Your Power” 15.) “TV”

16.) “bellyache / ocean eyes”

17.) “Getting Older” 18.) “Lost Cause” 19.) “when the party’s over” 20.) “all the good girls go to hell” 21.) “everything i wanted”

22.) “bad guy” 23.) “Happier Than Ever”

Billie Eilish new music

As noted above, Eilish is dropping her third studio album ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ on May 17. She has vowed not to release any singles online before the record hits shelves.

In the meantime, fans can pore over her discography here .

Huge stars on tour in 2024

This is a big year for live music.

Case in point, here are just five icons on the road — with Eilish-like sensibilities — these next few months.

•  Olivia Rodrigo

•  Melanie Martinez

• Madison Beer

• Tate McRae

•  Conan Gray

Who else is on the road? Take a gander at our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find out.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed Bruce Springsteen and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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