AAA Magazine has put together their list of the best botanical gardens in the northeast for 2021 and two Long Island sites have made the list.
“After an especially trying winter, it’s safe to assume we’re all looking forward to spring this year,” the accompanying article says. “And what says spring more than the sweet smell and bright colors of blooming flowers, the buzzing of honeybees and fluttering of birds and butterflies at one of the many Northeast botanical gardens?”
Clark Botanic Garden, located at 193 I.U. Willets Road in Albertson was one of the two gardens listed. According to a Town of North Hempstead announcement about the inclusion in the best of list, Clark features 12-acres of planted, well-manicured grounds, and is a perfect place to enjoy the spring weather, especially for those looking to do more socially-distanced activities outdoors. Beginning in April, the garden will be open from 10am to 6pm daily. Visitors are reminded to wear face masks while at the park.
“We are so proud that Clark is included on the list of the top gardens to visit this spring,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “There is so much to see at Clark Botanic Garden… It is a great way to adhere to social distancing guidelines and enjoy some sun and fresh air.”
The second Long Island location to be listed is Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. The AAA listing invites readers to “explore over 400 acres of land and two greenhouses.” The park is open every day from 9am to 5pm. Social distancing is required and capacity is limited.
According to its website, Planting Fields is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is the former estate of William Robertson Coe and Mai Rogers Coe and one of the few remaining Gold Coast estates on Long Island’s North Shore that retains its original 409 acres, its historic buildings by architects Walker and Gillette and landscape designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, MA.