Elaine Peterson

About

Since 1977, we have explored the horticultural world through the transformation of a garden first planted in 1931 around a Tudor-style house. Surrounded by an endless expanse of water and sky, the property is protected by 100-year-old oaks, silver maples, and privet on all sides except the east, which faces Lake Montauk. This semi-protective enclosure within a very exposed geography gives the place its alluring lushness. It offers the illusion of a peaceful, romantic and mysterious retreat, whereas it has been subject to the constant challenges of storms, frequent heavy wind, rain, salt spray, deer forage, and drought for a century now. Throughout the gardens, we have created space for quiet observation and contemplation of plants, water and sky. We encourage the local bird and insect populations by growing what they like, and they have rewarded us with great variety, filling the air with their sounds and movements. We have actively pursued an exploration of small trees, shrubs, perennials and winter/spring bulbs where appropriate. The lakeside areas contain many native plants, as does an upper garden hidden beyond the privet hedge, that are meant to accommodate birds, bees and butterflies. There is also a large mowed labyrinth and a potager with herbs, vegetables, fruit, flowering vines and roses. Much of the garden is protected from deer, and in return we have given them a sanctuary in a third of it. We do not use automatic irrigation, herbicides or pesticides, and all parts of the garden are fed organically, if at all. We fertilize very few of our plants, as we prefer that their own debris of fallen leaves and sticks do the job. Eschewing the use of most modern implements in favor of those that make little noise, we mow the lawns with a small electric walk-behind mower, rake leaves with hand rakes, and use hand pruners and saws. Only when absolutely necessary heavy work on big trees and hedges is required to be done by hired crews do we accept the use of power equipment in our gardens.

This garden’s estimated size is 2-1/2 acres.

2025 Open Day:  Sunday, June 22 

Hours:10-4