Back to the Garden: Sometimes Gardening Can Be a Spectator Sport

By James Daw

As I write this in early February, there isn’t much to do in the garden except gaze out the window and imagine how things will look in just a few months. However, winter doesn’t have to put a pause on our love for plants—this is the perfect time to explore botanical gardens.

We are fortunate to have two world-class botanical gardens within an hour’s drive—the New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Both offer spectacular greenhouses to enjoy lush greenery indoors and beautifully stark winter landscapes outdoors.

For those who prefer a shorter trip, several stunning arboretums are close to the Willistons. One of my favorites is the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. A winter highlight there is the Camellia House, where camellias are in full bloom from early February through March. Some varieties even flower into April, but regardless of the season, a visit to Planting Fields is always rewarding.

As spring approaches, the arboretum bursts into color with daffodils, forsythia, and azaleas, offering a vibrant transition from winter. The scenic hiking trails provide the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and soak in the beauty of nature. And if you happen to miss the camellias this year—there’s always next year!