Gardens of Wonder: Hollister House Garden

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

The gardens are so magical to walk around and spend time in, so worth the trip 😍

On a sunny Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of visiting Hollister House Garden, a trip organized by Old Westbury Gardens. We departed from Old Westbury Gardens at about 8 o’clock, and despite the morning traffic, we arrived at our destination in approximately two hours. Our tour was a special arrangement as Hollister House Garden is usually closed on Tuesdays. We were fortunate to have George Schoellkopf as our guide, who also happens to be the director, one of the developers of the garden, a board member, and a writer for various gardening magazines. Although we could not tour the inside of the house, which dates back to the 18th century and is built in the Georgian style, we had ample time to explore the stunning garden. The garden, initiated in the 1970s by George and another designer, spans over 20 acres of mostly wooded land. It is exceptionally well-planned and maintained, with neatly cut lawns and well-cared-for plants. Some plants had labels, though it would have been helpful to have more detailed signage as some of us were interested in identifying and possibly planting them in our own gardens. The property itself, which has undergone several additions over the years, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The garden is expansive and includes barns and other structures from the 18th and 19th centuries. One notable feature was a poster of garden etiquette at the entrance, which outlines several visitor rules. However, the garden has many steps without railings, making certain areas challenging to navigate for those with physical impairments. While the restrooms were clean and the lawns well-maintained, the addition of handrails, more garbage pails, and a drinking water fountain would enhance the visitor experience.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

I saw details of the Hollister House Garden on channel 12 weeks ago. I am so happy I saved the information and visited today. The grounds and gardens are exquisite! So many different areas to walk around and enjoy! I loved all of the benches placed around the flowers/gardens, the sound of the birds, bees and butterflies! I took so many pictures of everything on the grounds and I even got to meet the kitty! 🙂