Hello again!

Secret gardens have intrigued me ever since I read the novel by the same name as a child.

The garden I'm sharing today isn't exactly secret, but it is well off most people's radar. If you're exploring New York's Hudson Valley and need a quick reset in nature, this is a wonderful place for a rejuvenating break.  .

I've driven past this area many times and had no idea it existed until I came across an Instagram post this past spring. Of course, I had to go see it for myself.

Blithewood Mansion and its gardens were built in the early 1900s by the architectural firm Hoppin & Koen, when Georgian-style architecture and Italianate garden design were especially popular. The gardens were intentionally designed as an extension of the mansion, with each complementing the other.

Captain Andrew C. Zabriskie and his wife, Frances Hunter Zabriskie, owned the estate from 1899 until 1951. They were among New York City's largest real estate owners and were well known in society.

Andrew earned the title of Captain through his years of service with the New York Militia during the Civil War, while Frances was passionate about gardening. Many of the flowers blooming today are the same varieties she would have grown more than a century ago.

Upon their deaths their son, Christian, donated the estate to Bard College

The garden is tucked behind the mansion, in an expansive lawn that overlooks the Hudson River.  After parking, walk past the house, and you’ll spot the garden below. Follow the stone steps down, pass through the entrance, and suddenly you're standing inside a beautiful sunken walled garden.. 

You’ll notice the layout is very symmetrical, with paths that divide the garden into sections. In the center is a pool of water, a common design feature for this type of garden, and there are statues tucked here and there. As you walk to the end, you’ll see the center pavilion is closed, but the two covered areas to each side are not and are very striking.  

There is noticeable decay and need of repair, that somehow currently adds to the charm of the garden. But it is comforting to know that Bard College is working with The Garden Conservatory to repair and preserve the walls and structures of this beautiful space. 

The garden is open to the public everyday from dawn to dusk, with no admission fee. Plan on spending about 30-45 minutes here, or perhaps bring a picnic with you to stay longer and enjoy the view. 

Maybe that's why I've always loved gardens like this. They feel a little like discovering a secret that's been patiently waiting for someone to wander in. I’m so glad I discovered it.

We also visited another spectacular garden farther south in the Hudson Valley that I'm excited to share with you next week.

After that, we'll head north for a glass-covered railcar journey through the Adirondacks.

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen