Review of Planting Fields Arboretum: A must see destination in Long Island, NY

 

Planting Fields Arboretum, Long Island, NY

After visiting the excellent Bayard Cutting Arboretum the previous week, our family was itching to explore more of Long Island, as we all had a great time there.  Again using Google search, which is my de facto method of researching scenic places to visit, I came upon Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY.

Planting Fields Arboretum was the former estate of W.R. Coe, a noted railroad and insurance executive.  Planting Fields Arboretum is now part of the New York State park system, and it features over 400 acres of rolling hills, gardens, walking trails, and woodlands. 

The Camellia Greenhouse is a must see attraction, displaying the largest collection of camellias in the Northeast, while the Main Greenhouse features extensive collection of hibiscus, orchids, succulents, and seasonal displays.

On a cloudy and a bit chilly Wednesday morning in March, our family set out on a new adventure!

We took the Long Island Expressway (I-495) eastbound, then arrived at the Planting Fields Arboretum after about an hour drive.  The local country roads to get to the arboretum is certainly beautiful, and we all commented on how scenic the drive is, with rolling hills, gentle curves revealing idyllic homes/small farms, and lots of open green spaces.  

Even on an early weekday morning, we noticed plenty of cars parked at the visitor lot.  We parked ourselves, then proceeded to the main entrance to the park directly ahead of us.  The first impression of the park was that of its size.  It is truly immense!

We passed the main entrance, noticing the beautiful patio to our left, then headed towards the Main Greenhouse.  There was a sign at the entrance that said the greenhouse is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.  We were feeling lucky we chose to visit on a Wednesday!

Main entrance to the Planting Fields Arboretum, NY
Near the Main Greenhouse 
Flowers at the entrance to the Main Greenhouse 

We walked in to what looked like a converted house, a rather large house at that, then immediately noticed the warmer temperatures inside the greenhouse.  We proceeded to view colorful, vibrant, and absolutely beautiful flowers in bloom!  It was such a shock to see these during March in the Northeast.  We were glad.

We first walked into the room full of orchids in all colors and sizes.  Those that were fully grown were displayed in the public areas, while those still in nursery were in areas blocked off to visitors.  We loved the fragrant aromas as we walked around the orchid room.

Orchids at the Main Greenhouse

We then walked on to the desert room featuring the hardy cacti of all types.  It was as if we stepped into the deserts of Nevada or Arizona.  Air felt dry and warm.  We noticed the incredibly large and prickly spines on many of these cacti species.  We surely did not want to be pricked by one of these things, so we stayed well away.



We moved on to perhaps our favorite room in the Main Greenhouse, the subtropical climate plants.  We encountered palm trees, tropical flowers with vivid colors, in a much larger room with high ceilings.  Room felt humid and warm, just like a typical rainy season day in Hawaii from November until March.  

We loved the smells in the room. It certainly reminded us of our time living in Hawaii…



We sat down inside the warm subtropical-climate room so my mom can get some rest, while each of us commented on how beautiful all the flowers were.  We were in awe of all the wonderful plants and flowers.

After about 5 minutes of doing nothing but admiring the flora, we went outside the Main Greenhouse to check out the Camellia Greenhouse.  We stumbled upon the Camellia Greenhouse by chance.  We were walking outside of Main Greenhouse towards the trees, when we came upon a paved walkway leading up to the Camellia Greenhouse.

We turned right to go inside it from the side entrance and not the front entrance.  It didn’t make a difference though, as the scenery inside was what counted!  It was absolutely beautiful with fully blooming camellias of all colors and sizes.  

We admired each grouping of camellias with colors representing the rainbow!  Just awesome.






The Camellia Greenhouse turned out to be the most popular venue that day, as we met around a dozen or so visitors there.  After exchanging pleasantries, we moved on our own ways, with us going outside to explore the Italian Garden, and the Azalea Walk.

As cloudy as the day was, it was still great to be outdoors and walking some of the most beautiful gardens we’ve ever visited.  We chatted about the gardens at times, and we also contemplated in our own way during the quiet times, admiring the place and feeling happy…

By that time of the day, we had spent over an hour at the gardens and we were all getting a bit hungry.  We got back to our car and headed south for the town of Freeport (Long Island, NY).

I had researched for a nice seafood restaurant in Freeport, and came up with Nautilus Cafe.  It received excellent reviews and had a 3 course prix fixe lunch.  

The drive from Oyster Bay to Freeport took about 30 minutes via Meadowbrook Parkway South.  We arrived at the restaurant and parked in their lot, then walked in.  We were the second diners of the day, as the restaurant had just opened up at noon.  

We got a nice table overlooking the marina and were tired/hungry, but exhilarated for lunch!  We secretly hoped the reviews were true.

My mom, my wife, and I ordered the prix fixe lunch while my dad ordered the hamburger.  The prix fixe entrees ordered were beer dipped fried shrimp, grilled salmon, and branzino crusted with nuts and with cream sauce.  

Everything was incredible!  We all loved everything including the breads, appetizers and the entrees.  The portions were also just right.  We ended up taking some home as leftovers.

The best part about the meal, at least for my wife and my dad, had to be the dessert!  They shared an Oreo ice cream and a cake, which they were savoring until the very last bite.  The desserts looked decadent (but excellent) and it showed on my wife and my dad’s face!  They looked absolutely happy and content to be alive.

We treated our parents to the meal, and they were grateful.  It was least we could do for letting us stay at their place!

Completely satisfied, we headed to the parking lot after an hour long lunch, still talking excitedly about our meal.  Everyone was happy, and we were happy our parents were happy.

In conclusion:

Planting Fields Arboretum is a wonderful destination to visit in Long Island.  It is truly a world class venue with beautiful greenhouses, walking paths, and gardens.  We would consider this place an equal of Longwood Gardens, Nemours Mansion/Gardens, or Winterthur.

Plenty of dining options exist no matter what you feel like eating that day.  Nautilus Cafe was absolutely spectacular as far as food quality goes.  We all loved their food and the ambiance.

If you’re planning a day trip to Long Island, please consider the excellent Planting Fields Arboretum.

Thank you all for reading!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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