Courtesy Old Westbury GardensA Winter Garden

Old Westbury Gardens - that favorite spot for many during the warmer months - gives visitors a peek at what goes on during the winter season this weekend. Not officiallyopen at this time of year, the Gardens welcomes visitors with a special January treat."People never get to see us during the winter, since we are closed [from December through mid-April]. Now they have an opportunity," said spokesman Patricia Speciner."The outside walks are particularly nice," she noted. You can see the trees unclothed and see how beautiful a garden can be even when nothing is blooming." The Gardens is participating in The New York Times' Arts & Leisure Weekend, one of several Long Island attractions to do so (including Nassau County Museum of Art, Heckscher Museum and Walt Whitman's Birthplace). The idea is for folks to shake off those January doldrums and visit places that they might not otherwise seek out during the winter months.Weather permitting, visitors of all ages have an opportunity to take a brisk scenic walk through the grounds and visit Westbury House, at a discount. Old Westbury House, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion that was the home of financier John S. Phipps and his family, shows off all of its splendor with special programming. There are special events throughout the weekend, designed to showcase the uniqueness of the Gardens during winter, beginning Friday evening. During this weekend only, Jan. 7-9, visitors may buy one admission at regular price and receive a second admission free.

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Classical "Roots" Concert - Excitingyoung cellist Eric Jacobson gets the weekend off to a musical start as he explores the influences of classical music on modern musicians. He'll perform pieces by Bach, Schumann and Hindemits. Reservations are required. $25 fee, $20 members (tickets are two for the price of one). The concert is held Friday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m., in Westbury House's Red Ballroom.

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Westbury House Guided "Talk & Tour" - Visitors can examine the elements of Greek and Roman influences that have inspired legions of designers, such as George A. Crawley, who built this English manor home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Saturday's tour, "Myths and Legends," explores the elements of classical design found in the decor and furnishings. On Sunday, "Neoclassical Themes in an 18th Century Manor House," discusses how the motifs found in an English manor house are adapted for use in American estate. The programs are offered Jan. 8-9, at 2:30 p.m. The house is open for visits all day, both days.

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Winter Woodlands Walk - View the Gardens in all its winter glory during a brisk walk to discover the majesty of the winter landscape. "It is quite fascinating to see the structures of the trees and empty perennial beds," Speciner said. "You see things you don't appreciate when the gardens are blooming." Afterwards, enjoy some cider and hot chocolate. The walk is offered Sunday, Jan. 9, noon-1:30 p.m.For those who are unable to make it to the Gardens this weekend, there will be another opportunity for a winter visit. Old Westbury Gardens will open again in February, during President's Week, for "100 Years Ago: Celebrating History," Monday through Sunday, Feb. 21-27. During that week, when many schools are closed, there will be a full schedule of activities, for both adults and children. Once again, visitors can participate in invigorating walks through the winter landscape, tour Westbury house and discover its fascinating history, participate in a knitting workshop, take a greenhouse tour, and receive instruction in winter shrub pruning. Children can make nature crafts with objects found on a walk through the Gardens and can get ready for spring with their own seed planting workshop. In case of inclement weather, Speciner said, particularly icy conditions, winds or heavy snowfall, Old Westbury Gardens will remain closed. Visitors are advised to check before attempting a visit. Westbury House and its gardens reopens for the 2005 season on Saturday, Apr. 9.

Old Westbury Gardens "Arts & Leisure Weekend"