Dan's Papers - May 1, 2009 - Earthly Delights

Now that spring has finally arrived, local public gardens are opening up. They are all worth the trip to investigate their grounds for new ideas, plant knowledge, the need for a break or even a picnic with the kids.

Bridge Trust Gardens is now open to the public, making a transition from private owner ship to becoming part of the Peconic Land Trust - the new stewards of this imaginative and lovingly tended garden on Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton. Rick Bogusch has been chosen to take over as head gardener from former owners Harry Nyams and Jim Kirkpatrick, the designers and creators of the wonderful spaces within the boundaries of the former potato barn and depot right next to the railroad tracks.

Bogusch is well aware of the history of the property and of both Nyams and Kirkpatrick's intentions in designing and planting their gardens. Upon entering, a woodland garden gives way to a perennial bed that's being revamped. The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons has donated digging time in exchange for material to sell at their upcoming plant sale.

The urge to run through the magnificent Alice in Wonderland like beech hedge and arched tunnel may keep you from heading right for the main entrance where you pass by black and white beds of yucca mulched with coal. The lure of the lavender parterres spread out like a carpet out in the lawn may take the eye and feet in another direction that leads one to the rose bed below. Or the eye might go to the groupings of topiary animals to the north.

In terms of gardening chops, most impressive is the knot garden below the old potato barn that the two creators converted into a living space and greenhouse/workroom years ago. The chain link boxwood hedge requires a good eye and a steady, experienced hand - this is where Bogusch's mettle as a seasoned gardener will be measured. It is by far my favorite part of the garden. Elegant and intense, the intertwining knots and adjoining beds reference local history in the seashell mulch from The Seafood Shop in Wainscott and the plant materials, some used locally for years as medicine and dyes.

Bogusch has changes in mind for the gardens and some structural issues to work out, but that will be revealed over time. And that's how you should visit all of these gardens - to see them in different lighting and over the seasons as well. The Land Trust intends to open the garden on Friday evenings for picnics and perhaps some wandering musicians.

When it comes to technical expertise, Madoo on Sag Main in Sagaponac gives Bridge Trust a run for its money. Attended to in every detail by Bob Dash and his trusty side kick Carlos, (a genius in his own right as a gardener), the magical gardens seem to expand space. This is a small property made large by the way it has been developed into garden rooms that lead one into another, but are complete in themselves. The intimacy of each space makes you stop and take notice of all the details, making the walk longer and the visit very worthwhile. But you'll have to wait until May 15 for them to welcome you in.

Long House Reserve, Jack Lenor Larsen's 16-acre series of gardens and sculpture forums, opened last weekend in a burst of magnolia and cherry blossoms under planted with daffodils, with the stone sculpture of Gonzalo Fonseco on view (see Photo Pages). Whether you come for the art or the garden as art experience, give yourself plenty of time to get lost in here. Make sure you can return at least twice to see not just the seasonal changes in the gardens, but the constant renovations and new ideas Larsen presents. He is far more inclined to change things just for the sport of it or because a new idea or exhibit demands, than you or I would on our own land. It makes Long House an exciting place to visit. The garden is a great venue for their many events, like the upcoming Container as Art Invitational in June entitled "Planters On and Off the Ground," which will be juried by P. Allen Smith.