Bay Shore NY
4-03-2022 9:53am

Spring is in the Air

After a cold and snowy Long Island winter, spring has finally arrived. These are perfect days to explore some of the area's beautiful gardens where displays of delicate pink cherry blossoms and a host of other springtime trees and flowers are preparing for their bloom. Buds are beginning to appear in my garden, and the hot pink tips of my Peony bush are poking through the soil. How exciting it is to anticipate another season of flora. The best part is I always have a fresh bouquet of my favorite flowers in my home throughout Spring and Summer. If you want tips on how to plant a garden, I can help. 

Here are my picks of some of my favorite arboretums and gardens on Long Island where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and be transported into a paradise of the natural wonder of trees, bushes, and flowers.  

-Farmingdale State College has a gorgeous garden that is the best kept secret around. This tranquil garden is filled with a variety of flowers and blooming trees maintained by volunteers and members of the Horticultural Department of FSC. It's a respite that will leave you peaceful and inspired. It is a must see.

-Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is one of my favorite places to visit. An original Gold Coast estate, Planting Fields sits on more than 400 acres and has formal gardens, hiking trails, and specimen plantings. This is a spectacular place to spend time in nature with friends, family, and loved ones. You won't be disappointed. 

-Old Westbury Gardens is a spectacular place. I visited here for the first time in 2021 and was blown away by its beautiful landscape and pristine gardens. With an abundance of blooming spring plants and trees, including four brand new cherry blossoms, Old Westbury Gardens attracts adults and children alike to this 200-acre former estate. It truly is a magical place and one of the best maintained gardens on Long Island.

-Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Whether you take a walk around its many trails and gardens or spend time sitting in the Adirondack chairs that line its hilly meadow, you will want to return over and over again to witness its majestic beauty. This is a gem on the South Shore not to be missed.

-Hofstra University Arboretum in Hempstead was designated as an arboretum in 1985. Who knew? This 245-acre campus is a new destination on my list this Spring. I can't wait to see what's blooming here.

As the old saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." I hope you can take some time out of your busy life to visit some of the gardens that I've chosen for you this Spring. This time of year is perfect for observing nature and watching it return to its full bloom. It is a special time that beckons us to pay attention as it teaches us how perfect nature really is. We can all learn from its precise timing, patience, and ultimately, its gift of beauty for all of us to enjoy. Bloom on!

Peace and Love,

Skylark 

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.
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