Public gardens are beautiful not just because so much care is put into them, but because they’re filled with beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. Paying a visit to one makes for a great afternoon with friends, or the perfect romantic date for two. Whatever the occasion, it’s sure to make you feel relaxed and aware of all the beauty that makes up Long Island. So once the warm weather rolls around, pay a visit to this year’s Best Public Garden on Long Island.
2018: Long Islanders Voted Avalon Park – Stony Brook Best Public Garden on Long Island!
Avalon Park – Stony Brook
200 Harbor Road
Stony Brook, N.Y. 11790
avalonparkandpreserve.org
Everyday stress and strain getting to you? Let Avalon Park take you away from it. A serene open space, Avalon Park & Preserve in Stony Brook is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Created by the Paul Simons Foundation with the goal of sharing Simon’s deep love of the outdoors, this captivating park is filled with gardens, trails along the pond, a labyrinth, a rustic barn among the wildflower fields, and winding upper trails. The park is open to all! However please don’t feed the ducks and keep your dog on-leash when visiting.
2017: Long Islanders Voted Adelphi University Best Public Garden on Long Island
Adelphi University 1 South Ave., Garden City. 800-ADELPHI http://about.adelphi.edu/campus-locations/arboretum/ There’s nothing quite like taking a stroll through a meticulously managed garden on a spring day, just as flowers are blooming. At Adelphi University, its public garden is home to more than 60 species, including special berry bushes, rose gardens, various trees, and more. People can explore the campus’ arboretum and feast their eyes on sugar maples, river birch, crab apple, limber pine, and so much more! Aside from the fresh aromas and wide array of colors, the garden offers a place where visitors can enjoy a moment of solitude. No wonder why Long Islanders voted Adelphi University’s public garden the absolute best!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden on Long Island
Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com Take a leisurely stroll through its breathtaking grounds, enroll in an educational class, or grab a few snacks in the Hidden Oak Cafe—at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, all you need is a pair of walking shoes. Consistently ranking atop this competitive category, one visit and you’ll fall in love! This historic site boasts gorgeous natural wonders, countless hiking trails, tours, and school programs, among so much more!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum Best Public Garden on Long Island!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com Beauty awaits to inspire and invigorate behind every twist and turn along the paths at Oakdale’s Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Located along the shores of the Connetquot River, this Long Island treasure spreads Mother Nature’s endless wonders out across acres upon acres of lush landscape beautifully maintained to be enjoyed year-round. It is the perfect destination for not only escaping the daily intricacies of the work week and a prime weekend excursion spot, but a moving, unforgettable re-acquaintance with the beauty of this magical Island we call home.
2014: Long Islanders Voted Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1. Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. 631-581-1002. bayardcuttingarboretum.com 2. Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org 3. Planting FieldS Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. plantingfields.org
2013: Long Islanders Voted Old Westbury Gardens in Old Westbury Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1. Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org 2. Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale. 631-581-1002. www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com 3. Planting FieldS Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. www.plantingfields.org
2012: Long Islanders Voted Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay Best Public Garden on Long Island!
1 Planting Fields Arboretum 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200. 2 Bayard Cutting Arboretum 440 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale. 631-581-1002. www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com 3 Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org