By Karen Bloom
It's one of those rare opportunities for our furry friends to get some exercise and enjoy a stroll through the magnificent gardens, leashed, of course!Dogs and their human counterparts can make new friends as they wander about the 160 acres of gardens, which are showing their first signs of spring. There's plenty of opportunity and room to spread out and explore the blooming bulbs, wildflowers, flowering trees and shrubs. The Woodland Walk, above East Lake, is of particular interest. "The real story this time of year is in the wildflower walk," said Old Westbury Gardens President and CEO Carol E. Large. "We have 40 years of bulbs reproduced there." Among the most striking, she noted, is the bright orange Fritellia. Thousands of daffodils, crocuses and snow drops along with hyacinth, primrose, English daisy, and pansies are also starting to bloom, ready to burst forth. "This is truly a beautiful time, when we get the earliest blooms," Large said. Fruit trees, along other trees and shrubs can be seen in an array of delicate colors. Visitors can enjoy it all quietly by themselves or with a master gardener, on Sunday, during a "Welcome Spring" stroll. When the dogs have seen enough flowers, they and their human counterparts might want to try some doggie games. The Ladies Kennel Association of America presents AKC Agility Dog Trials, one of the highlights of the weekend. Visitors can watch obedience trials and agility demonstrations. Then, there are dog and owner games for everyone to participate in, such as Fetch the Ball. And for those who bring along a "costume" for their pet, there's even a costume parade in which the dogs can strut their stuff. "It's all very funny, a lot of fun for dog and owner," noted Large. "The dogs get to socialize and everyone has a good time. Some even bring a picnic lunch." Animal rescue groups also participate, on Saturday, providing information about dog care, training and adoption. Westbury House, the Charles II-style mansion that is the former home of the Phipps family is ready for spring, as well. It opens its doors with a vintage clothing exhibit that displays spring and summer fashions for men, women and children from the 1890s to 1940s. The exhibit runs through June 30.Old Westbury Gardens "officially" opens for the season the following weekend, Saturday Apr. 16. That weekend will feature a "Talk and Tour" on the classical designs found in Old Westbury House's decor, Saturday, and another "Welcome Spring" stroll on Sunday. Other upcoming events in April include "Talk and Tours" on floral themes and paintings in Old Westbury House, and a family "Tree Walk" that teaches the basics of tree identification, life cycles and habitat. Just in time for Mother's Day, Apr. 22-24, members of the American Rhododendron Society's New York Chapter bring choice rhododendrons and azaleas to the Gardens for sale. They'll provide tips and information on cultivation and care. The Gardens' first concert of the season closes out the month, on Apr. 30. Poetica Musica begins its 11th season as Artists-In-Residence with a program, "Three is Company," that showcases the talents of violinist Pauline Kim, cellist Eugene Moye and pianist Maria Antonia Garcia.
Photos courtesy of
Old Westbury Gardens
