Garden Conservancy Open Days program offers access to hundreds of private sanctuaries across the country – and a chance to share ideas with fellow garden lovers
What is behind those hedges? Private gardens – inaccessible to the public –spark curiosity with an aura of magic and mystery. The Garden Conservancy Open Days™ program enables America’s finest private gardens to open to the public on specific days and is the only nationwide garden visiting program. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Open Days has offered 1.5 million people a chance to look behind the hedges, with visitors to 4,500 gardens in 40 states.
For the 2025 growing season from April through November, more than 350 private gardens will be open across 22 states—from urban rooftops and organic farms to innovative suburban backyards and historic estates. More than 100 gardens will be open for the first time in 2025.
The May 10 gardens opening in Westchester are:
Vivian and Ed Merrin – Cortlandt Manor
The Merrin garden has been featured in several books and magazines; most recently Larry Lederman’s Garden Portraits: Experiences of Natural Beauty published in 2020. In Spring, thousands of Spanish bluebells line the road which is designed to a naturalistic woodland setting. Hundreds of azaleas and mountain laurels line the road and peek in and out of the rest of the gardens. Mixed borders flow in and out of the six -acre garden, containing native plants as well as many Asian species. These include hundreds of Primula, hundreds of hellebores, magnolias, a beautifully designed succulent garden installed each year, and the Stumpery (what a wonder to come out of Hurricane Sandy). A dramatic lookout made of glass and wood allows visitors to survey the property and its lake. Lastly, don’t forget to stop down in the vegetable garden which becomes more productive every year.
The Little Garden That Could – Chappaqua
This modestly sized, organically maintained suburban garden won the 2007 Golden Trowel award from Garden Design magazine. It features a cottage garden of bulbs and perennials, a Belgian fence espalier of fruit trees, a grape arbor, an herb garden, a checkerboard garden, and a “meadow” with naturalized bulbs, native plants, a Domenico Belli sculpture, and a greenhouse. There are many European touches, like rose arbors, window boxes, a fountain, and Anduze pots. There is also a terrace with a wisteria-covered pergola for outdoor dining. A vertical garden of mostly ferns and heuchera, inspired by Patrick Blanc, was installed several springs ago. It has been a steep learning curve, and we are still learning! This wall has become quite the attraction. All plant waste is composted, and rainwater is collected for watering the plants in pots. We strive to maintain a healthy ecosystem that connects with and supports the larger environment. Modest in size, our garden is rich in detail and has a great deal of visual appeal. This garden is a happy balance of keeping things natural, full of native and biologically useful plants and yet, provides the creative design elements associated with making gardens for beauty and outdoor pleasures. This garden was featured in the 2010 “Best of” issue of Westchester Home magazine, and hosted a well-received “Wilding Walls, Fruiting Fences” Digging Deeper in 2021.
Rocky Hills – Mount Kisco
At Rocky Hills, planting among the stone walls began in the 1950s by William and Henriette Suhr, whose legacy is continued by current owners Barbara and Rick Romeo. In May and June, the forget-me-nots, which are allowed full freedom throughout the garden, appear as clouds of perfect blue flowers among an ever-expanding rock garden, through the hills and terraces, walls and paths, and fern woodlands, finding good company with self-sown Primula and Spanish bluebells along the natural brook that serves as the heart of the garden. Tree peonies and an extensive planting of rhododendrons and azaleas compete for attention with the carpet of bulbs throughout the 13 acres.
“Garden visiting is more than just a leisurely stroll; it is an immersive experience that ignites the senses and nourishes the soul,” said James Brayton Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Garden Conservancy. “It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, appreciate artistry, and gain inspiration from the dedication and vision of passionate gardeners. The anticipation for Open Days events is palpable, with garden enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the chance to discover hidden gems and share in the beauty and tranquility of these private sanctuaries. The excitement stems from the rare privilege of stepping into these carefully curated worlds, each with its own story to tell, and the joy of connecting with fellow garden lovers who share a deep appreciation for the transformative power of gardens.”
